Cable Bay Stays - Golden Sand & Driftwood Beachfront Accommodation

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

Cable Bay Stays: A Story Spanning Generations
Cable Bay Stays is a collection of 12 self-contained beachfront apartments nestled on the golden sands of Cable Bay in Doubtless Bay, Northland, New Zealand. But it's much more than just accommodation—it's a story of family, connection to place, and a commitment to preserving a slice of Kiwi paradise.

The Beginning (1940s–1980s)
The story starts over 70 years ago when Alan and Mona Matthews purchased the seaside property in the late 1940s. They built a bach and later added two small units that became the Golden Sand Motel. Their daughter Gladys and her husband built the neighbouring Driftwood Motel, creating a family legacy on this beautiful stretch of coastline.

Deep Roots
Brian and Rosemary, both from long-established Northland families (Puckey, Archibald, and Haines), grew up spending their summers at Cable Bay. The beach became woven into their lives, creating a deep, lifelong connection to this special place.

A New Chapter (2001)
When the Golden Sand property came back on the market in 2001 (after a planned sale fell through post-9/11), the Archibald family seized the opportunity. They were determined to keep this precious piece of coastline in New Zealand ownership and preserve its character. At the time, it consisted of just two flats, a one-bedroom bach, and a small garage/office.

Rebirth (2014)
After years of careful restoration and developing the bach, the family moved into the Lodge in 2014 and officially launched Golden Sand Beachfront Apartments, which evolved into Cable Bay Stays. Rosemary described herself as a "curator of an artwork"—preserving this pristine place for future generations to enjoy.

Growth & Reunion (2018–2021)
2018: The old garage/office was transformed into The Beachfront Cabana, incorporating family history including a surfboard bed-head made from Brian's vintage Atlas Woods board.
2021: The family fulfilled a dream by purchasing back the original Driftwood Motel next door, reuniting the properties and renovating it to offer affordable beachfront stays.
What It Is Today
Cable Bay Stays is now a 12-apartment beachfront collection offering direct beach access, uninterrupted ocean views, and that authentic Kiwi holiday experience—all while honouring the area's deeper history as Owhetu/Owhetū, meaning many stars, such a great pllace to see a clear sky filled with stars.

It's a place where generations of memories have been made, and where the magic of Cable Bay continues to be shared with visitors from near and far.

03/06/2026

John Archibald came to Kaitaia as a 15 year old, second son of David and Lillian Archibald. Invincible.
He lived the motto - work hard -play hard.
Weekdays he drove the wagon delivering goods around Kaitaia, and helped run the two busy D Archibald and Sons Ltd stores.
By 1920s, after hours he would deliver cars to customers - but he had to teach them to drive first!
One evening he delivered a car to a chap farming near Tutekeihua River, who had built a garage especially for his new car. Big moment.
John drove the car out to him and taught him how to get into gear, and drove a bit around the farm. They parked the car in the new garage and John went home.
Mid morning the next day, the customer rang asking if the car came with insurance. "No'" says John "Why?"
"Oh I couldn't remember how to stop and I backed out of the garage straight into the Tutekeihua River!! "
By 1926 John was a forerunner in the motorbike club in Kaitaia.
Note all the suits and ties at Reservoir Hill bike day in 1926. Not many helmets - just a hat and goggles - like a pilot I guess. Also the tyres were more the proportion of bicycle tyres

The Great Depression of the 1930s was felt in Kaitaia- far removed from Wall Street.
In the booming 1920s, farmers and locals had bought cars, tractors and trucks on finance from the big car companies like Ford and Chevrolet.
The Ford car dealer in town repossessed all the vehicles and had them in storage in town. Now John and David Archibald thought about this and decided on a different approach.
They knew the farmers were good honest folks who wanted- and needed- to keep the vehicles. Also, it made no sense, storing the cars.
So they visited the customers and refinanced their loans to a manageable amount over a longer term and they kept the vehicles while the Ford owners had no vehicles and a debt to pay off with nothing to show for it.

Thus the finance arm of was born.

John was an accomplised salesman and we have the cigarette case prize for being the NZ Fergusson Tractor salesman of the year. One day Amy, his wife, came home to find she had no washing machine! "Oh, a customer needed one immediately so I sold him yours!" This 'skill' runs in the family with Brian also selling cars before I have driven them - or me having several cars in one day. My record is 8. This all sounds very glamourous but it does mean you cannot keep track of the kids' hats!

Do you have any stories of the glory days of Kaitaia and the Far North?

More recent times to come in the next wee while. Sorry the week is too soon for me to be regular. Thanks for the great interest in my posts.
See you soon 😀😍

02/06/2026

🌞Cable Bay Stays made for switching off!

There's a certain pull this time of year — towards slower days, quiet places, and cabins tucked deep in nature.

It's where mornings start with coffee in hand and mist in the trees. Where afternoons stretch out between walks, naps, and doing not much at all. And when night falls, it's all about soothing waves, good food, and that feeling of being exactly where you need to be.

We've self contained rooms that are made for it at Cable Bay Stays - Golden Sand & Driftwood Beachfront Accommodation — whether you're chasing a solo reset, a weekend away together, or just a break from the everyday.

Find your happy place, switch off, and settle in.

01/06/2026

This month only!! Call 0800 150 175
Sunday to Thursday 3 night stay savings!
Relax and Rejuvenate at the beach
email [email protected] now

31/05/2026

GoldCard Package! Enjoy nostagia at renewed Cable Bay Stays - Golden Sand & Driftwood Beachfront Accommodation Call 0800 150 175 for Cable Bay Magic.

30/05/2026

May Fun at Cable Bay Stays - Golden Sand & Driftwood Beachfront Accommodation
Call now 0800 150 175 or email: [email protected]