Area & getting there
Waikahoa Bay Campsite
DOC campsite reference point, not a verified entrance or individual pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -35.44215, 174.41261 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- DOC Maps campsite reference point (WGS84), exact official-page asset ID (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- Walk-in coastal tent camping at Mimiwhangata; closed on the review date pending the Labour Weekend reopening.
- Storm-damage notice closes the site until Labour Weekend; confirm reopening even though bookings advertise 22 October 2026-30 April 2027.
- Carry all gear over the hill from the carpark; no vehicle or campervan access to pitches.
- Carpark gate is locked; retain the PIN supplied with the booking. Marine protection rules apply nearby.
- Camping styles
- tent
- Fees
- Non-powered tent camping: NZ$18 per adult 18+ nightly, 9 February-25 December; NZ$20 nightly, 26 December-8 February. Seasonal closure overrides tariff dates.
- Water
- Untreated tap water; boil before drinking and confirm supply before travel.
Walk-in coastal tent camping at Mimiwhangata; closed on the review date pending the Labour Weekend reopening.
Check reopening before planning the night
Waikahoa Bay is closed on the review date. The active storm-damage notice says until Labour Weekend, while the main page advertises bookings from late October. Confirm that the closure has actually been lifted before making the trip; an offered booking date alone is not that confirmation. Keep alternative accommodation in the plan while the reopening remains subject to this notice.
Pack for the carry over the hill
Vehicles remain at the carpark and all equipment must be carried over the hill to the campground. The approach walk is steep, so choose a load your whole group can manage rather than packing as though the car will be beside the tent. Retain the gate PIN sent with the booking and check that the narrow, winding road approach suits your vehicle.
Keep the beach stay self-sufficient
Cold showers, non-flush toilets and untreated taps are listed. Bring cooking gear and water-boiling arrangements, and plan to carry all rubbish and recycling out. Dogs are not allowed. Nearby marine protection rules need separate checking before fishing or collecting anything from the water. Book the correct seasonal adult tariff and arrange your days around a manageable return carry, not just an appealing beach arrival.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
