Waikawau Bay is the largest DOC campsite. It is very popular over the summer months and Easter with families spanning generations, returning year after year. The campsite is fantastic for families, with around one third of all campers being children.
It is at the gateway to the Northern Coromandel and in close proximity to four other DOC campsites. It is nestled beside a stunning white sand surf beach, with two estuaries and a significant wetland. The campsite backs onto native bush which can be explored from the Matamataharakeke Walkway.
Campsite details
Waikawau Bay is an expansive campground with a capacity of 1,250 people.
- Number of unpowered/tent sites - 323 (maximum 5 per site)
- Number of powered sites - 21 in zone 4 (maximum 5 per site). These can only be used by visitors with caravans and campervans that have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness and who want power. No other forms of camping are permitted in zone 4.
The campsite is divided into two areas. Zones 1, 2, 3 and 4 make up the main area of the campsite; they are located on the beach side of the road and within close proximity to the camp office. Zones 5, 6 and 7, known as Pump Paddock, are located across the road from the main camp area and backs on to native bush. Pump Paddock is only open from mid December until end of January.
Campers may select the zone they wish to camp, however specific sites are not allocated and cannot be booked. Groups who wish to camp together should book into the same zone. Sites are selected by campers on a first come first served basis.
View a map of campsite zones (PDF, 464K)
Facilities and services
Toilets
Camp office
The camp office is staffed during the peak summer season, generally from 9 am to 11 am and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Eftpos is available at the camp office.
During the off-peak season the office hours vary and may close for some periods. If arriving without an online booking, ensure you have the correct cash amount in case the self-registration is operating.
A public pay phone is located in the day use area
Camp store
An on-site store operates during the peak summer season that sells basic items such as ice, milk, bread, other basic food items, cold drinks, ice creams and bait.
No cooking facilities
There are no cooking facilities provided at this campsite.
This campground is Pack In Pack Out. There are no rubbish or recycling facilities except for composting or worm farms to assist in the disposal of food waste only.
The closest refuse transfer station is 525 Hauraki Road, Coromandel Town. See Thames Coromandel District Council website for opening hours and other transfer stations. Blue refuse bags will be available from the office when open.
Getting there
42 km north of Coromandel.
From Coromandel take the Colville Road for 22 km to Whangaahei Junction, turn right into Port Charles Road, then right into Waikawau Beach Road and follow for 5 km to the camp.
Access: Port Charles Road is unsealed, narrow and winding in places. Take care especially during the holiday period.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1826915, N5945852
Latitude: -36.60586488, Longitude: 175.53701524
Fees
Non-powered site
- Adult (18+ years): $13 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $6.50 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Powered site
- Adult (18+ years): $16 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $8 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) passes are accepted, however pass holders will need to pay the power charge (adult: $3 per night, child: $1 per night). Book and pay the power charge at the Waikawau Camp Office or the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre.
Minimum charge
A minimum charge of $26 per non powered site and $32 per powered site applies between 19 December to 8 February inclusive.
Registration
Register at the camp office on arrival. When the camp office is closed, register and pay your fees using the self- registration system. You will need to carry the correct amount of cash with you for the self-registration system.
If you do not register at the office or self-register you may be charged a 100% penalty fee.
Passes
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The campsite pass for rental campervans cannot be used at this campsite.
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The DOC/NZMCA Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite except between 20 December and the end of Waitangi weekend.
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Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.
Bookings
Bookings should preferably be completed online; phone and email bookings will attract a service fee.
Changes and additions to bookings will incur a fee up to $10 per alteration.
The maximum stay is 14 consecutive days (21 consecutive days from 20 December to 8 February) followed by a minimum 7 day break before returning.
A minimum stay of 2 nights applies between 28 December and 2 January inclusive.
Book Waikawau Bay campsite online or contact:
Waikawau Bay Campsite
Phone: +64 7 866 1106
Address: 96 Waikawau Beach Rd, Waikawau Bay
Email: waikawaubaycampground@doc.govt.nz
Before you book:
Activities
Waikawau Bay is a great place to swim, fish, walk, surf, kayak or just relax.
New Zealand dotterel and variable oystercatcher breed north of the campsite.
Walking and tramping
The Matamataharakeke Walk begins at the campsite, with the Coromandel Walkway a further 20 km north.
Know before you go
The next nearest grocery stores and petrol stations are in Colville or Coromandel township.
Mobile phone coverage is poor and shouldn't be relied on. A public pay phone is available in the day use area within the camp.
Weather: The Coromandel has quickly changing weather conditions. Your safety is your responsibility – make sure you are prepared for any conditions. Check the weather before you go.
Vehicle access: campground gates are closed from 8 pm to 7:30 am.
Arrival/departure times: check-in from 2–7 pm – register with the office on arrival. Leave campsites before 11 am - you're welcome to continue using the camp facilities for the rest of the day but must leave your site and move your vehicle.
Parking: one vehicle per site - space is limited.
Boats storage/access: boats over 5 metres in the campground are discouraged - space is limited. Water access from the campground isn't guaranteed.
Water is from a stream and should be boiled or treated before drinking.
To protect our native wildlife, and for your and your fellow campers' enjoyment of this peaceful campground:
No fires/fireworks.
No dogs or other domestic animals (cats, birds etc.).
No devices with a naked flame including califonts. Only gas cookers, fridge/freezers and lanterns may be used.
No unsociable behaviour and excessive noise.
No chainsaws, compressors, generators and amplifiers. Generators may be used at Campground Manager discretion.
Make sure you also read the campground rules.
Motorhomes
- All motorhomes using power outlets in pod 4 must have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness (WOF), to be presented to Camp Office staff. If you don't have this, you won't be issued with a key to the power supply and no refunds will be given.
- Powered sites in pod 4 can be accessed from 2 pm on arrival day and must be vacated by 11 am on departure day. On arrival, collect the key to access power from the camp office. If you're arriving outside the office hours of 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, contact the staff during office hours on +64 7 866 1106 to arrange key collection.
- Take all rubbish and waste water with you on departure.
- The nearest public dump station is Patukerikeri Reserve, Wharf Road, Coromandel, 38 km from the campsite.
Contacts
Waikawau Bay Campsite Facebook page