Northern Coromandel campground hit by devastating flood
Date: 07 December 2009
Waikawau Bay Campground, on the Coromandel's east coast was hit by a devastating flood on the night of the 4 December as torrential rain lashed the Coromandel Peninsula.
The campground has been closed until 21 December. Floodwaters swept through the camp, causing major damage to facilities including toilets, the camp store and offices, and the camp's water supply. Camp managers Travis and Melanie Tupaea were evacuated safely.
'We are aiming to have the camp open for business on the 21 December' says John Gaukrodger, DOC's Hauraki Area Manager. 'It's the largest campsite on the peninsula, and we're well aware of how many families look forward to heading to Waikawau Bay for their annual Christmas holiday - we're pulling out all the stops to make sure they won't be disappointed'.
People who have made bookings at the camp between now and the 21 December won't miss out on a Coromandel holiday - DOC is honouring their bookings at its other northern campgrounds at Port Jackson, Fletcher Bay, Stony Bay and Fantail Bay. Campers are being urged to contact the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre on +64 7 867 9080 to arrange this.
DOC's other northern campgrounds remain untouched by the weekend's weather and are available for use by campers.