Waikawau Bay Campsite

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.

Waikawau Bay is an expansive campground with a capacity of 1,250 people.

• Number of unpowered/tent sites - 323.
• Number of powered sites - 21 in zone 4 (maximum 6 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, 1,380K)

The camp office is staffed during the peak summer season, generally from 9 am to midday and from 2 pm to 6 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

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.

Rubbish can only be left in the official camp rubbish bags, available for $3 (see additional fees). Recycling is available at the campsite for plastic containers, glass, cardboard, steel and aluminium cans. Vegetable food scraps can be composted at the camp.

Online bookings are open for the 2016/2017 summer season from 9:00 am 11 July 2016. Bookings are essential for the peak summer period (19 December until 8 February) and Easter. Bookings should preferably be completed online. Phone, email and walk in bookings will attract a $5 service fee. Changes and additions to bookings may 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.

Before you book:

• Read the booking terms and conditions
• Read the campground rules

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.

The Matamataharakeke Walk begins at the campsite, with the Coromandel Walkway a further 20 km north.

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.

• 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.

In Aotearoa New Zealand DOC is focussed on protecting our nature, history and culture. We want to show visitors to public conservation land how to visit the Kiwi way.