Doubtless Bay History
Doubtless Bay | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History
Doubtless Bay is one of the oldest areas of New Zealand. The history of Doubtless Bay dates from the early 1800s when it was a whaling base.
Doubtless Bay History Overview
Northland is thought to be the first part of New Zealand to be discovered and walked upon by the early Māori settlers. Later European settlers began to arrive and colonise the land.
A treaty between the Māori and the Europeans was signed some years later in Waitangi, and Northland became known as the 'birthplace of a nation'.
Early History
In 1769, Captain James Cook sailed past the entrance to Doubtless Bay and recorded in his journal "doubtless a bay", hence where the name came from.
Unknown to James Cook, a French ship of Francois Marie de Surville was anchored within the bay.
Soon after European traders, whalers, sealers and missionaries began to arrive and created settlements. Mangonui became a thriving port providing supplies and repairs for ships and crews.
The abundant Kauri trees were sought after for their length and diameter to serve as spars and masts.
In 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was drawn up and signed by representatives of the Crown and representatives of the Māori iwi and hapu.
Many more settlers continued to arrive and began felling the Kauri for its timber. Farming of sheep and cattle was also introduced.
Doubtless Bay Accommodation
Doubtless Bay is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of accommodation options:
- Doubtless Bay Motels
- Doubtless Bay Lodges
- Doubtless Bay Bed and Breakfasts
- Doubtless Bay Campsites and Holiday Parks
View more Doubtless Bay Accommodation options.
Useful Doubtless Bay Links
To help plan your Doubtless Bay holiday choose from the main categories below:
- Doubtless Bay Accommodation
- Doubtless Bay Tours
- Doubtless Bay Attractions and Activities
- Doubtless Bay Visitor Information
Doubtless Bay Region Information
Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Doubtless Bay region.
Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Doubtless Bay region.
Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Doubtless Bay region.
History
History of the Doubtless Bay region.
Doubtless Bay Tourism Operators
Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Doubtless Bay.