Area & getting there
Waikawau Bay Campsite
DOC's published campsite reference point, not a surveyed entrance or individual pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -36.60586, 175.53702 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- Published DOC reference coordinates; not a claim of survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- Waikawau Bay Campsite: published Location coordinates (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- Beachside, bushside and powered areas are not interchangeable.
- Bushside only opens from 15 December to 15 February.
- Powered camping is for eligible caravans and campervans, not tents.
- Bring cooking equipment and boil untreated tap water.
- Location
- Northern Coromandel, Waikato
- Bookings
- Required; choose the appropriate camping area
- Adult non-powered fee
- NZ$18 normally; NZ$20 from 26 December to 8 February
- Power
- 12 powered vehicle sites; electrical WOF required
- Facilities
- Cold showers and non-flush toilets; no cooking facilities
- Water
- Untreated tap water; boil before use
Waikawau Bay offers several ways to camp at one coastal location. Start by selecting the right area, not simply the first available date.
Compare the three areas
Beachside is non-powered. Bushside is across the road and seasonal. The small mains-power area is reserved for qualifying camping vehicles, so it is not a tent-electricity option.
Write down what your setup requires before opening the booking calendar. A tent party seeking shade has different needs from a campervan relying on power. Do not assume a booking can be transferred between categories on arrival.
Understand the seasonal budget
Adult non-powered nights cost NZ$18 normally and NZ$20 during 26 December-8 February. The corresponding powered rates are NZ$21 and NZ$23. Confirm the full group charge and relevant pass supplement in the DOC booking information.
Allow a separate budget for supplies and travel. Book the correct party size and save the area name with your confirmation; a general campground name alone is not enough for a smooth arrival.
Arrive self-sufficient
No cooking facilities are provided. The listed showers are cold and the tap water untreated. Bring your cooking setup, drinking-water plan and containers to remove all waste.
Use a simple first-night meal that does not depend on borrowing equipment. Keep essential food and lighting accessible during unpacking, particularly if weather changes before the tent is ready. Follow the local rules on permitted appliances rather than assuming any portable heater or cooker is acceptable.
Road and activity planning
The approach via Port Charles Road includes unsealed, narrow and winding sections. Check your vehicle and any rental conditions before making this an essential overnight stop.
The Matamataharakeke walk starts at the campsite; its own track information should determine your walking plan. Keep the beach, wetland and camping areas distinct when planning children's activities. Carry a dry-weather and wet-weather option, and use our conditions page before leaving reliable reception. Dogs are not allowed.
Official facts are paraphrased from DOC under its CC BY 4.0 terms; planning advice is Outdoor Next's own.
Common questions
Can a tent use Waikawau Bay's powered area?
No. DOC restricts this area to eligible caravans and campervans with a current electrical WOF. Check the additional vehicle requirements before booking.
Is bushside camping available all year?
No. The listed season is 15 December to 15 February; Beachside and the powered area have different arrangements.
Is there a shared kitchen at Waikawau?
No cooking facilities are supplied. Bring appropriate gas-operated cooking equipment.
