Date:  14 September 2021

The Fletcher Bay site is one of several Coromandel campsites managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). At the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, the campsite is nestled between a golden sandy beach and neighbouring farmland. It is a bookable campsite and during peak season it can hold up to 300 campers across 60 unpowered sites.

Nick Kelly, DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager, says the work getting underway this month will make access easier for campers heading for a stay at this idyllic and isolated location.

“For the last few years, the access into this campsite has been a fairly basic gravel road,” he says.

“One of the challenges we’ve had at this location is management of stormwater during rain events – there have been situations when the road has been flooded, which is an issue for DOC and obviously the visitors who camp there.”

The improvements will see the creation of a new access road into the site and installation of two culverts to better control the stormwater flows.

With earthworks set to be undertaken by contractors using heavy machinery, Nick Kelly says the campsite will be closed for two months.

“All going to plan, our contractors will have the job done by the first week of December and we’ll have the campsite available for the festive season campers, who enjoy the simplicity of a beachside holiday well away from the urban hustle and bustle.

“Investments like these give New Zealanders a chance to connect to heritage and nature in conservation areas,” Nick Kelly says.

Peak season at Fletcher Bay is the Christmas–New Year period through to mid-January, and it is also popular during the summer and autumn long weekends such as Waitangi Day and Easter. The campsite is equipped with toilets and showers.

Bookings for the campsite can be made through the DOC website, or by contacting the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre.

Improvements at Fletcher Bay are part of ongoing work to upgrade access and facilities at several of DOC’s northern Coromandel campsites. In February 2020, DOC completed the installation of new toilet blocks at its Fletcher Bay, Stony Bay and Waikawau Bay campsites.

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