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Waikawau Bay is the largest DOC campsite. It is very popular over the summer months and Easter. 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 is close 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.
Waikawau Bay Campsite offers an isolated back to nature conservation experience, so make sure you come prepared and self-sufficient.
Campsite details
Waikawau Bay is an expansive campsite with a capacity of 660 people. Bookings are essential and should be completed online.
The campsite has three areas:
Beachside
- Unpowered sites.
- Located in the main area of the camp on the beach side of the main road.
- Open year round.
Bushside (pump paddock)
- Unpowered sites.
- Located across the road from the main camp area and backs on to native bush.
- Only open from 15 December to 15 February
Mains power
- 12 powered sites for caravans and campervans that have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness and who want power. No other forms of camping are permitted in this area.
- Located in the main area of the camp on the beach side of the road. Accessed through Beachside camping area.
- Open year round.
Facilities and services
No cooking facilities
There are no cooking facilities provided at this campsite. Bring your own gas-operated equipment.
Rubbish and recycling
This campground is Pack In Pack Out. There are no rubbish or recycling facilities for compost or food waste. A container with a sealed lid is recommended for your food scraps.
The closest refuse transfer station is 525 Hauraki Road, Coromandel Town. See Thames Coromandel District Council website for opening hours and other transfer stations.
Fees
9 February to 25 December
Non-powered site
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Powered site
- Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $9 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
26 December to 8 February
Non-powered site
- Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $9 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Powered site
- Adult (18+ years): $21 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $10.50 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.
There's a $3 fee per Campsite Pass user to book a powered site.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Book Waikawau Bay campsite online
A maximum of five people can book into a site. All sites must contain an adult.
Bookings are required all year. Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Your booking will be for the number of people in your party – there are no designated sites. Find space for your party on arrival.
If you arrive without an online booking, contact Kauaeranga Valley Visitor Centre or attempt to book online. Eftpos may be available with the rangers on duty during the peak summer season. No cash facilities.
Wifi guest booking access is available at Port Jackson, Stony Bay, and Waikawau campsites outside the office.
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
The next nearest grocery stores and petrol stations are in Colville or Coromandel township.
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.
Rubbish and recycling: This campground is Pack In Pack Out. There are no rubbish or recycling facilities. All rubbish and recycling must be taken away by campers.
Arrival/departure times: Check-in from 2 pm. Leave campsites before 11 am - you can continue using the camp facilities for the rest of the day, but must leave your site and move your vehicle.
Parking: One vehicle per group, space is limited.
Boats storage/access: Boats more than five metres long are discouraged as space in the campsite is limited. Beach launching with 4WD only. Water access from the campground isn't guaranteed.
No fires/fireworks, or devices with a naked flame including califonts. Only gas cookers, fridge/freezers and lanterns may be used.
No chainsaws, compressors, generators and amplifiers. Generators may be used at Campground Manager discretion.
Water sports and activities: If you plan to enjoy the water, be aware of what water you can enter and how to stay safe.
Motorhomes and powered sites
All motorhomes using power outlets in pod 4 must be self-contained and have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness (WOF). If you don't have a current electrical WOF, you won't be issued with a key to the power supply and no refunds will be given.
You will need a standard RCD caravan plug to access the power boxes.
Powered sites in pod 4 can be accessed from 2 pm on arrival day and must be vacated by 11 am on departure day.
Be aware:
- powered sites are not suitable to charge electric vehicles.
- you must take all rubbish and waste water with you on departure.
- the nearest public dump station is 38 km from the campsite at Patukerikeri Reserve, Wharf Road, Coromandel.
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. Keep your distance from roped off breeding areas.
Walking and tramping
The Matamataharakeke Walk begins at the campsite, with the Coromandel Walkway a further 20 km north.
| Kauaeranga Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 7 867 9080 |
| kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |