The complete guide to camping on the Coromandel Places to stay, the rules and handy tips for visitors www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping
Contents 4 Where to stay (paid campgrounds) Where can I camp? See our list of campsites and contact information for bookings. For more on camping in New Zealand visit www.camping.org.nz 6-8 DOC Campgrounds Details on where the Department of Conservation provides paid campgrounds. 9 DOC Freedom Camping Policy Details on locations where DOC has prohibited or restricted freedom camping. 10-12 TCDC Freedom Camping Guidelines We welcome responsible freedom camping. Don t risk a $200 fine by not following the rules and reading the signage where freedom camping is allowed or prohibited. Freedom camping is only permitted in Thames-Coromandel District in certified self-contained vehicles. 14-15 What to do with your rubbish and recycling Drop your rubbish and recycling off at our Refuse Transfer Stations or rubbish compactors. We ve listed the locations and provided a map showing where they are. 16-17 Public toilets and dump stations Read these pages for locations of public toilets and dump stations where you can empty your campervan wastewater. 18 Coromandel Road Map Roads in the Coromandel can be winding, narrow and there are quite a few one-lane bridges. There can be limits on where you can take a rental vehicle, so check with your rental company. 19 Information Centres Visit our seven information centres or check out for ideas on what to do, what to see and how to get there. 20 Contact us Get in touch if you have any questions. 2 www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping 3
Where to stay (paid campgrounds) THAMES CRUZ n STOP 309 Mary St, Thames 027 590 0008 M Dickson Holiday Park Victoria St, Tararu 07 868 7308 T M D www.dicksonpark.co.nz Te Puru Holiday Park 473 Thames Coast Rd 07 868 2879 T M D www.tepuruholidaypark.co.nz Tapu Creek Campervan Park, Tapu 285 Tapu-Coroglen Rd 07 868 4570 T M D www.facebook.com/ tapucreekcampervanpark Tapu Camp 723 Thames Coast Rd, Tapu 07 868 4837 T M D (and cabins and permanent caravans) www.tapucampnz.co.nz KAUAERANGA VALLEY Kauaeranga Valley campsites (9) (DOC) 07 867 9080 T M * powered and non-powered sites E: kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz COROMANDEL Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park 636 Rings Rd, Coromandel Town 0800 267 646 T M D www.coromandeltop10.co.nz Tidewater Motel & Tourist Park 270 Tiki Rd, Coromandel Town 07 866 8888 T M www.tidewater.co.nz Long Bay Motor Camp 3200 Long Bay Rd, Long Bay 07 866 8720 T M D www.longbaymotorcamp.co.nz Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park 243 Colville Rd 07 866 8988 T M D www.shellybeachcoromandel.co.nz Oamaru Bay Tourist Park 440 Colville Rd 07 866 7588 (cabins and permanent caravans) www.oamarubaytouristpark.co.nz COLVILLE Papa Aroha Holiday Park 1091 Colville Rd 07 866 8818 T M D www.papaaroha.co.nz Anglers Lodge 1446 Colville Rd 07 866 8584 T M D www.anglers.co.nz Colville Farm Holidays 2140 Colville Rd 07 866 6820 T M www.colvillefarmholidays.co.nz KEY T = Tent M = Motorhome D = Dump Station Otautu Bay Farm Camp 7 Port Jackson Rd 07 866 6801 T M www.otautubaycamp.co.nz Colville Bay Motel & Camp Ground 85 Wharf Rd, Colville 07 866 6814 T M D www.colvillebaymotel.co.nz NORTH COROMANDEL Waikawau Bay Recreation Reserve (DOC) 07 866 1106 T M Fantail Bay Recreation Reserve (DOC) T M Fletcher Bay Recreation Reserve (DOC) TM Port Jackson Recreation Reserve (DOC) T M Stony Bay Recreation Reserve (DOC) T M * non-powered sites KUAOTUNU Kuaotunu Campground 33 Bluff Rd, Kuaotunu 07 866 5628 T M D www.kcg2008.com WHANGAPOUA Whangapoua Holiday Park 1266 Whangapoua Rd 07 866 5215 T M www.whangapouaholidaypark.co.nz Mercury Bay Holiday Park 121 Albert St, Whitianga 07 866 5579 T M D www.mercurybayholidaypark.co.nz Harbourside Holiday Park 135 Albert St, Whitianga 07 869 5152 T M D www.harboursideholidaypark.co.nz Mill Creek Bird & Animal Encounters 365 Mill Creek Rd, Whitianga 07 866 0166 T M D www.millcreekbirdpark.co.nz Whitianga Campground 6 Bongard Rd, Whitianga 07 866 5834 T M D www.whitiangacampground.co.nz FLAXMILL BAY Flaxmill 1031 Purangi Rd, Flaxmill Bay 07 866 2386 T M D www.flaxmillbay.co.nz COOKS BEACH Cooks Beach Holiday Resort 874 Purangi Rd 07 866 5469 T M D www.cooksbeachresort.co.nz HAHEI Hahei Holiday Resort 41 Harsant Ave 07 866 3889 T M D www.haheiholidays.co.nz HOT WATER BEACH Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park 790 Hot Water Beach Rd 07 866 3116 T M D www.hotwaterbeachtop10.co.nz COROGLEN River Glen Holiday Park & Campground 2436 Tapu-Coroglen Rd, Whitianga 07 866 3130 T M D www.riverglencoromandel.co.nz WHENUAKITE Seabreeze Holiday Park 1043/1 Tairua-Whitianga Rd, Whenuakite 07 866 3050 T M D www.seabreezeholidaypark.co.nz Tairua Holiday Park 4 Manaia Rd 07 864 8071 T M D www.tairuaholidaypark.com Port Jackson Fantail Bay Fletcher Bay MOEHAU RANGE Waikawau Stony Bay Papa Aroha Manaai TAPU TE PURU PORT CHARLES Waikawau Bay COLVILLE Whangapoua Long Bay COROMANDEL TOWN Te Kouma 309 Road COROMANDEL RANGE DOC Campground Flaxmill Bay Cooks Beach HAHEI COROGLEN Kuaotunu Matarangi Hot Water Beach WHENUAKITE Kauaeranga Valley DOC Tararu INFO Broken CENTRE Hills THAMES OPOUTERE Wentworth Valley Broken Hills, Puketui Valley (DOC) T M Pauanui Glade Holiday Park 58 Vista Paku 07 864 8559 T M D www.pauanuiglade.co.nz Pauanui Sports & Recreation Club car park (has some parks for motorhomes) 31 Sheppard Ave 07 864 8695 D www.pauanuiclub.co.nz OPOUTERE Opoutere Coastal Camping (Oct April) 460 Ohui Rd 07 865 9152 T M D www.opouterebeach.co.nz Wentworth River (DOC) T Whangamata Motor Camp 104 Barbara Ave 07 865 9128 T M D Our fresh water is a precious resource so please use sparingly. Ask tourism operators about their environmentally friendly practices. 4 www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping 5
Department of Conservation (DOC) Campsites and Accommodation DOC provides a range of accommodation options on the Coromandel Peninsula which include DOC huts, backpacker accommodation, a lodge, a cottage and a bach as well as numerous camp sites. All are bookable online. www.doc.govt.nz The two northern Coromandel farm parks have five campgrounds: Waikawau Bay and Stony Bay on the eastern side, Fletcher Bay and Port Jackson on the north coast and Fantail Bay on the western side. There are campgrounds in the southern Coromandel at Broken Hills (Puketui Valley Road) and Wentworth Valley as well as nine campsites in the Kauaeranga Valley. Bookings for Waikawau Bay, Port Jackson and Wentworth Valley are essential over Christmas and New Year. Elsewhere, campsites are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Resident managers, on site during summer months, oversee camp facilities, enforce camp rules and collect fees. Camping outside designated areas is not permitted. Fees for DOC campsites range from $5 $16 per adult and $2.50 $8 for children (5-17), children under 5 are free. DOC Campgrounds List NORTHERN COROMANDEL DOC s Northern Coromandel campgrounds no longer have rubbish bins or recycling facilities except for composting or worm farms for food waste. If you pack it in, pack it out. Rubbish and recycling can be taken to TCDC s Refuse Transfer Station (RTS) in Coromandel Town at 5 Hauraki Rd. Check www.tcdc.govt.nz/rts for other RTS hours and locations. Fantail Bay campsite Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Showers (cold) Fletcher Bay campsite Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Showers (cold) Port Jackson Conservation Campsite Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Barbecue Showers (cold) Stony Bay campsite Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Picnic Table Showers (cold) Waikawau Bay campsite Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Showers (cold) Broken Hills, Hikuai Facilities: Toilets Rubbish Bin Water from tap Wentworth campsite Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Barbecue Picnic Table Rubbish Bin Showers (cold) For information on the Crosbies and Pinnacles Huts, Fletcher Bay Backpackers, Stony Bay Bach, Knox Cottage or the Waikawau Bay Lodge see: www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/coromandel 6 www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping 7
DOC Campgrounds List [cont] KAUAERANGA VALLEY Booms Flat, Kauaeranga Valley Facilities: Toilets, Dogs are permitted Catleys, Kauaeranga Valley Facilities: Toilets Picnic Table Rubbish Bin Water from stream Hotoritori, Kauaeranga Valley Facilities: Toilets Water from stream, Dogs are permitted Kahikatea Powered site, Kauaeranga Valley Facilities: Power Water from stream There are no toilets in the campground as it is only for self-contained, certified motorhomes. Shag Stream, Kauaeranga Valley Facilities: Toilets Picnic Table Rubbish Bin Water from stream Totara Flat, Kauaeranga Valley Facilities: Toilets Rubbish Bin Water from stream Trestle View, Kauaeranga Valley Facilities: Toilets Rubbish Bin Water from stream Wainora, Kauaeranga Valley Facilities: Toilets Rubbish Bin Water from stream Whangaiterenga, Kauaeranga Valley Facilities: Toilets Picnic Table Rubbish Bin Water from stream DOC Freedom Camping Policy Freedom camping is permitted on DOC land except in areas where it is expressly prohibited or restricted to self-contained vehicles. This is indicated by signage. Please ensure you are well-informed of where you can and cannot camp and if unsure, enquire with DOC. Read all signage and be sure to follow the rules that apply if you want to avoid a costly fine. Prohibited The DOC website (search for freedom camping) lists all areas where freedom camping is prohibited and at the time of printing these included the following locations: Kauaeranga Visitor Centre carpark, Coromandel Forest Park Kauaeranga Valley Road end carpark, Coromandel Forest Park Muriwai Walk carpark, Port Jackson Waikawau Beach boat ramp carpark, Waikawau Bay Farm Park Recreation Reserve Waikawau Beach access carpark (west) www.doc.govt.nz/camping Contact the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre 07 867 9080 or kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz 8 www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping 9
TCDC Freedom Camping Rules Be firewise observe fire bans indicated on signage and at the Fire and Emergency NZ website If you stay overnight in an accessible public place other than in a campground, then you re probably freedom camping. We have freedom camping rules for all public areas that TCDC owns or manages and you need to comply with these or risk a $200 fine. The big rule you must be in a certified self-contained vehicle if you want to freedom camp. If you re a tourist and don t know if your rental vehicle complies, ask your rental company. We have areas around the Coromandel that need protecting from freedom camping. Some areas are either prohibited to all freedom camping, or restricted with conditions. All prohibited and restricted areas are clearly sign-posted. If you stay in a restricted area these conditions apply: 1. Park only in the designated (sign-posted) area. 2. Depart by 9.00am. 3. Stay a maximum of two consecutive nights. www.checkitsalright.nz 4. NB: some areas such as sports ground car parks have a further condition that: Notwithstanding restriction 3, all freedom campers must depart on Saturday mornings. Certified self-contained freedom camping only. www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping Use this QR code with your mobile phone (you can download the app for free) It will take you to our camping page on our website. Freedom Camping on the Coromandel We have three classifications for freedom camping on the Coromandel: Allowed Allowed Restricted Prohibited For public areas that TCDC owns or manages, freedom camping in a certified self-contained vehicle is permitted, subject to any other controls that may be in place. Restricted Certified self-contained freedom camping is permitted, and the further conditions on the previous page apply. To freedom camp in restricted areas campers must park in the designated area, which is sign posted. For details and maps of the restricted areas go to: www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping Prohibited Freedom camping is not allowed in prohibited areas under TCDC s Freedom Camping Bylaw 2014. There are several reasons why an area is prohibited, including habitats for endangered species, need to protect public access to reserves, and for health and safety reasons. All prohibited areas are clearly sign posted. For more details and maps of prohibited areas go to: www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping 10 www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping 11
You must be in a certified selfcontained vehicle if you want to freedom camp. Driving the Coromandel The Coromandel is one of New Zealand s great road trip destinations. To review the status of State Highways on the Coromandel, please visit the New Zealand Transport Agency s (NZTA) website, www.nzta.govt.nz. NZTA manages State Highways. For updates on Council roads, go to our website www.tcdc.govt.nz or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/thamescoromandeldistrictcouncil Information for drivers We drive on the left side of the road We have many hilly, narrow or winding roads that mean your journey may take longer than you expect. You must carry your driver licence on you at all times. If your licence is not in English, you must carry a translation from an approved translator. Choose to buy or hire a fuel-efficient vehicle and switch off your engine when stopped. 12 www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping 13
What to do with your rubbish and recycling On the Coromandel it s free to recycle. For non-recyclables, we operate a pre-paid bag system. Ask for the TCDC blue rubbish bags at local supermarkets and food stores and leave these free of charge at one of the refuse transfer stations listed below and indicated on the map. Locations for dropping off your rubbish and recycling Coromandel Town 5 Hauraki Road, Coromandel Town 07 866 7616 Matarangi* 101 Matarangi Drive, Matarangi 07 866 5427 Whitianga 237 South Highway, Whitianga 07 866 2954 Tairua* 3 Red Bridge Road, Tairua 07 864 7639 Pauanui* 887 Hikuai Settlement Road, Pauanui 07 864 7949 Whangamata* 2755 SH Waihi-Whangamata, Whangamata 07 865 9723 Thames 102 Burke Street, Thames 07 868 9637 * These locations have 24/7 drop-off facilities for rubbish and recycling. For all opening hour times go to www.tcdc.govt.nz/rts eco tip Always put all your rubbish in the bin provided, or take it with you when you leave. Portable rubbish compactors We have compactors for rubbish that we can move around to meet demand. Check their locations at www.tcdc.govt.nz/rubbishcompactors Environmental Care Code /Toitu te whenua (leave the land undisturbed) Remove rubbish carry out what you carry in. Keep streams and lakes clean soaps and detergents can be harmful to water-life. Take care with stoves and fires check for fire bans and restrictions. Camp carefully leave no trace of your visit. Respect our cultural heritage many places have spiritual and historical significance. COROMANDEL TOWN THAMES KEY Transfer Station 24/7 Drop-off available MATARANGI Recyclable plastic, bottles and cans. eco tip Reuse plastic bags or try not to use them at all. Unless otherwise stated, our tap water is potable so you can reuse your water bottles quite safely. Keep to the track lessen damage to fragile plants and prevent the spread of kauri dieback. www.kauridieback.co.nz 14 www.tcdc.govt.nz/rubbish 15
Dump Stations The following locations have dump stations where you can empty your campervan toilet and wastewater. The TCDC locations are free of charge. Charges may apply at holiday parks where customers are not staying. THAMES/THAMES COAST TCDC Dump Station at Thames BP station.100 Banks St, Thames. Dickson Holiday Park Victoria St, Tararu Te Puru Holiday Park 473 Thames Coast Rd Tapu Creek Campervan Park, Tapu 285 Tapu-Coroglen Rd Tapu Camp 723 Thames Coast Rd, Tapu COROMANDEL TOWN We re working with NZMCA on opening a new dump station on Whangapoua Rd, which may be open by mid-2019. The existing dump station at Patukirikiri Reserve will remain open in the meantime. Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park 636 Rings Rd, Coromandel Town COLVILLE Papa Aroha Holiday Park 1091 Colville Rd Anglers Lodge 1446 Colville Rd Colville Bay Motel & Campground 85 Wharf Rd, Colville KUAOTUNU Kuaotunu Campground 33 Bluff Rd, Kuaotunu TCDC dump station at Abrahamson Dr, off Moewai Rd. Mercury Bay Holiday Park 121 Albert St, Whitianga Harbourside Holiday Park 135 Albert St, Whitianga Mill Creek Bird & Animal Encounters 365 Mill Creek Rd, Whitianga Whitianga Campground 6 Bongard Rd, Whitianga MERCURY BAY SOUTH Flaxmill 1031 Purangi Rd, Flaxmill Bay Cooks Beach Holiday Resort 874 Purangi Rd Hahei Holiday Resort 41 Harsant Ave Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park 790 Hot Water Beach Rd River Glen Holiday Park & Campground 2436 Tapu-Coroglen Rd, Whitianga WHENUAKITE Seabreeze Holiday Park 1043/1 Tairua-Whitianga Rd, Whenuakite TCDC dump station, corner of Ocean Rd and Paku Dr. Tairua Holiday Park 4 Manaia Rd TCDC dump station next to Pleasant Pt boat ramp. Pauanui Glade Holiday Park 58 Vista Paku OPOUTERE Opoutere Coastal Camping (Oct April). 460 Ohui Rd TCDC dump station, Martyn Rd. Whangamata Motor Camp 104 Barbara Ave Public Toilets We have many public toilets around the district for your convenience. Please use these or your on-board toilet if you re in a campervan. Port Jackson Fantail Bay MOEHAU RANGE Papa Aroha COROMANDEL TOWN Waikawau Long Bay Te Kouma TAPU TE PURU Tararu F Fletcher Bay Manaia THAMES Stony Bay PORT CHARLES COLVILLE COROMANDEL RANGE Whangapoua DOC Info Centre COROGLEN Kauaeranga Valley Kuaotunu Matarangi Broken Hills Wentworth Valley KEY Flaxmill Bay Cooks Beach WHENUAKITE Toilet ONEMANA HAHEI OPOUTERE Opito Bay Hot Water Beach 16 www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping 17
To Auckland Local Information FIRTH OF THAMES CAPE COLVILLE PORT JACKSON Fantail Bay MOEHAU RANGE Papa Aroha COROMANDEL TOWN PASSENGER FERRY Te Kouma Te Kouma Harbour Manaia Harbour Coromandel Harbour Waikawau Otautu Bay Amodeo Bay Shelly Beach TAPU WAIOMU TE PURU Tararu Fletcher Bay Long Bay Manaia THAMES Stony Bay Sandy Bay PORT CHARLES COLVILLE COROMANDEL RANGE Square Kauri WHANGAPOUA KUAOTUNU BAY WHANGAPOUA MATARANGI DOC Info Centre 309 Kauris Kauaeranga Valley Waikawau Bay Kennedy Bay New Chum Beach COROGLEN Pinnacles Hut Rangihau Valley Ferry Landing Broken Hills Puketui Cooks Beach WHENUAKITE KEY Visitor Information Centre/i-SITE Campground DOC Campground Airports Heritage & Mining Cycleway Kauri Heritage Golf Course Marine Reserve Surfing Fishing Walks Otama Beach Waitaia Bay Opito Bay Mercury Bay Marine Reserve CATHEDRAL COVE HAHEI HOT WATER BEACH Sailors Grave Te Karo Bay OPOUTERE Slipper Is. Ask a local Our Local Information Centres We ve got seven Visitor Information Centres on the Coromandel that can point you in the right direction. They are all open seven days a week, with extended hours over the summer. i-site Thames 200 Mary St 07 868 7284 thames.info@thecoromandel.com www.thamesinfo.co.nz i-site Whitianga 66 Albert St 07 866 5555 info@allaboutwhitianga.co.nz www.allaboutwhitianga.co.nz Whangamata Information Centre 616 Port Rd 07 865 8340 enquiry@whangamatainfo.co.nz www.whangamatanz.com Tairua Information Centre 2 Manaia Rd 07 864 7575 admin@tairua.co.nz www.tairua.co.nz Pauanui Information Centre 23 Centreway 07 864 7101 family-friends-fun@pauanui.co.nz www.experiencepauanui.co.nz Coromandel Information Centre 74 Kapanga Rd 07 866 8598 coroinfo@xtra.co.nz www.coromandeltown.co.nz Kauaeranga Visitor Centre (DOC) Kauaeranga Valley Rd, Thames 07 867 9080 kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz www.doc.govt.nz a Waitakaruru Pipiroa Kopuarahi Kopu ONEMANA gatarata Hauraki Plains 2 NGATEA Maratoto Valley Wentworth Valley 27 Kerepehi Hikutaia /Taupo Kopuatai Wet Lands 26 Whiritoa Waimama Bay Netherton 18 www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping 19
For all enquiries call our friendly Customer Services Team on our 24/7 contact number, they ll be happy to hear from you: Phone 07 868 0200 Offices in Thames Coromandel Whangamata Whitianga District Office: Opening hours: 515 Mackay Street, Thames 8 am 5 pm Thames 07 868 0200 Coromandel 07 866 1001 Whangamata 07 865 0060 Whitianga 07 867 2010 Fax: 07 868 0234 Website: www.tcdc.govt.nz November 2018 www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping