The complete guide to camping on the Coromandel Freedom camping rules and handy tips for visitors

tcdc.govt.nz/camping thecoromandel.com Contents

4 Find a paid campground Resources on finding campgrounds. For more on camping in visit freedomcamping.org.nz or thecoromandel.com 6-8 DOC Campgrounds Details on where the Department of Conservation provides paid campgrounds. 16-17 Public toilets and 9 DOC Freedom Camping Policy dump stations Details on locations where DOC has prohibited or Read these pages for locations of public toilets restricted freedom camping. and dump stations where you can empty your 10-12 TCDC Freedom Camping Guidelines campervan wastewater. We welcome responsible freedom camping. Don’t 18 Coromandel Road Map risk a $200 fine by not following the rules and Roads in the Coromandel can be winding, narrow reading the signage where freedom camping is and there are quite a few one-lane bridges. There allowed or prohibited. Freedom camping is only can be limits on where you can take a rental vehicle, permitted in the Thames-Coromandel District (TCDC) so check with your rental company. in certified, self-contained vehicles. 14-15 What to do with your rubbish 19 Information Centres Visit our seven information centres or check out and recycling thecoromandel.com for ideas on what to do, Drop your rubbish and recycling off at our Refuse what to see and how to get there. Transfer Stations or rubbish compactors. We’ve listed the locations and provided a map showing 20 Contact us where they are. Get in touch if you have any questions.

2 tcdc.govt.nz/camping thecoromandel.com 3 Find a paid campground Fletcher Bay Port thecoromandel.com Jackson Stony Bay DOC Destination Coromandel’s website has listings for holiday parks Campground and campgrounds, as well as baches, backpackers, bed and Fantail Bay PORT breakfast, glamping, holiday homes, hotels and resorts, lodges, CHARLES motels and self-contained apartments.

freedomcamping.org.nz Waikawau Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s website. Bay COLVILLE campermate.co.nz Download the CamperMate app. Papa Aroha

Our fresh water is a precious resource Long Bay Kuaotunu so please use COROMANDEL sparingly. Ask tourism TOWN 25 operators about their environmentally friendly Te Kouma practices. Manaai Flaxmill 309 Bay Road COROMANDEL RA Waikawau

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25 TAPU

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TE PURU Valley DOC INFO Broken CENTRE Hills THAMES

Kopu

Puriri Wentworth Valley 25

4 tcdc.govt.nz/camping thecoromandel.com 5

Mackaytown 2 Waitawheta

Kamai Forest Park Athenree

TE AROHA To Hamilton To Rotorua 80km To 70km 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 525 Hauraki Rd. Check tcdc.govt.nz/rts for other RTS hours and locations. Fantail Bay campsite Campsite category: Scenic Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Showers (cold) Fletcher Bay campsite Campsite category: Scenic Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Showers (cold) Port Jackson Conservation Campsite Campsite category: Scenic Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Barbecue Department of Showers (cold) Conservation (DOC) Stony Bay campsite Campsites and Campsite category: Scenic Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Picnic Table Accommodation Showers (cold)

DOC provides a range of accommodation options on the Waikawau Bay campsite which include DOC huts, backpacker Campsite category: Scenic accommodation, a lodge, a cottage and a bach as well as Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Showers (cold) numerous camp sites. All are bookable online. doc.govt.nz HIKUAI The two northern Coromandel farm parks have five campgrounds: Broken Hills, Hikuai Waikawau Bay and Stony Bay on the eastern side, Fletcher Bay Campsite category: Scenic and Port Jackson on the north coast and Fantail Bay on the Facilities: Toilets Rubbish Bin Water from tap western side. There are campgrounds in the southern Coromandel at Broken Hills (Puketui Valley Road) and Wentworth Valley as WHANGAMATA well as nine campsites in the . Wentworth campsite Bookings for Waikawau Bay, Port Jackson and Wentworth Valley Campsite category: Scenic are essential over Christmas and New Year. Elsewhere, campsites Facilities: Water from tap Toilets Barbecue are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Picnic Table Rubbish Bin Showers (cold)

Resident managers, on site during summer months, oversee camp For information on the Crosbies and Pinnacles Huts, facilities, enforce camp rules and collect fees. Camping outside Fletcher Bay Backpackers, Stony Bay Bach, Knox Cottage or designated areas is not permitted. See doc.govt.nz for fees. the Waikawau Bay Lodge see: doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/coromandel

6 tcdc.govt.nz/camping thecoromandel.com 7 DOC Campgrounds List [cont] DOC Freedom Camping Policy KAUAERANGA VALLEY Freedom camping is permitted on DOC land except in areas where it is expressly prohibited or restricted to self-contained Booms Flat, Kauaeranga Valley vehicles. This is indicated by signage. Please ensure you are Campsite category: Scenic well-informed of where you can and cannot camp and if unsure, Facilities: Toilets, Dogs are permitted enquire with DOC. Read all signage and be sure to follow the Catleys, Kauaeranga Valley rules that apply if you want to avoid a costly fine. Campsite category: Scenic Facilities: Toilets Picnic Table Rubbish Bin Prohibited Water from stream The DOC website (search for freedom camping) lists all areas where freedom camping is prohibited and at the time of printing Hotoritori, Kauaeranga Valley these included the following locations: Campsite category: Scenic Facilities: Toilets Water from stream, Dogs are permitted • Kauaeranga Visitor Centre carpark, Coromandel Forest Park Kahikatea Powered site, Kauaeranga Valley • Kauaeranga Valley Road end carpark, Campsite category: Scenic Coromandel Forest Park Facilities: Power Water from stream There are no toilets in the campground as it is only for • Muriwai Walk carpark, Port Jackson self-contained, certified motorhomes. • Waikawau Beach boat ramp carpark, Shag Stream, Kauaeranga Valley Waikawau Bay Farm Park Recreation Reserve Campsite category: Scenic • Waikawau Beach access carpark (west) Facilities: Toilets Picnic Table Rubbish Bin doc.govt.nz/camping Water from stream Totara Flat, Kauaeranga Valley Campsite category: Scenic Facilities: Toilets Rubbish Bin Water from stream Trestle View, Kauaeranga Valley Campsite category: Scenic Facilities: Toilets Rubbish Bin Water from stream Wainora, Kauaeranga Valley Campsite category: Scenic Facilities: Toilets Rubbish Bin Water from stream Whangaiterenga, Kauaeranga Valley Campsite category: Scenic Facilities: Toilets Picnic Table Rubbish Bin Water from stream

Contact the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre 07 867 9080 or [email protected]

8 tcdc.govt.nz/camping thecoromandel.com 9 Be firewise – observe fire bans indicated TCDC Freedom on signage and at the Fire and Emergency NZ website Camping Rules checkitsalright.nz 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 Freedom Camping on restricted areas are clearly sign-posted. the Coromandel If you stay in a restricted area these conditions apply: We have three classifications for freedom camping on the 1. Park only in the designated (sign-posted) area. Coromandel: 2. Depart by 9.00am. Allowed 3. Stay a maximum of two consecutive nights. Restricted 4. NB: some areas such as sports ground car parks have a further Prohibited condition that: Notwithstanding restriction 3, all freedom campers must depart on Saturday mornings. Allowed For public areas that TCDC owns or manages, freedom camping in Certified Use this QR code with your a certified self-contained vehicle is permitted, subject to any other self-contained mobile phone (you can controls that may be in place. freedom download the app for free) camping only. It will take you to our camping page on our website. Restricted tcdc.govt.nz/camping 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: 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: tcdc.govt.nz/camping

10 tcdc.govt.nz/camping thecoromandel.com 11 You must be in a Driving the Coromandel certified self- contained vehicle The Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s great road trip destinations. To review the status of State Highways on the if you want to Coromandel, please visit the New Zealand Transport Agency’s freedom camp. (NZTA) website, nzta.govt.nz. NZTA manages State Highways. For updates on TCDC roads, go to our website tcdc.govt.nz or our Facebook page 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 Choose to buy or your licence is not in English, hire a fuel-efficient you must carry a translation vehicle and switch from an approved translator. off your engine when stopped.

12 tcdc.govt.nz/camping thecoromandel.com 13 RUBBISH AND RECYCLING TIAKI PROMISE

– “PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT” – WHILE TRAVELLING IN NEW ZEALAND I WILL

CARE FOR LAND, SEA AND NATURE, TREADING LIGHTLY AND LEAVING NO TRACE

PLEASE DO NOT DUMP RUBBISH

TRAVEL SAFELY, SHOWING CARE AND CONSIDERATION FOR ALL

IF YOU CAN’T FIND A BIN, OR IF THE NEAREST BIN IS FULL, TAKE YOUR RUBBISH TO ONE OF OUR

REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS RESPECT CULTURE, TRAVELLING WITH AN OPEN HEART AND MIND

HOW TO CARE FOR NEW ZEALAND

LOCATIONS FOR DROPPING OFF YOUR RUBBISH COROMANDEL AND RECYCLING TOWN TRANSFER STATION Coromandel Town 525 Hauraki Road, TAKE THE TIAKI PROMISE, TIAKI MEANS TO CARE FOR MATARANGI Coromandel Town 24/7 DROP-OFF AAILABLE PEOPLE AND PLACES WHITIANGA 07 866 7616 TRANSFER STATION Matarangi* TIAKINEWZEALAND.COM 101 Matarangi Drive, Matarangi 07 866 5427 Whangamata* 2755 SH25 Waihi-Whangamata, Whitianga Whangamata 237 South Highway, 07 865 9723 Whitianga TAIRUA 24/7 DROP-OFF 07 866 2954 Thames AAILABLE 102 Burke Street, Thames Tairua* PAUANUI 07 868 9637 24/7 DROP-OFF 3 Red Bridge Road, Tairua PORTABLE RUBBISH THAMES AAILABLE TRANSFER STATION 07 864 7639 * These locations have 24/7 COMPACTORS drop-off facilities for rubbish Pauanui* and recycling. We have compactors for rubbish that 887 Hikuai Settlement Road, we can move around to meet demand. Pauanui For all opening hour times go to Check their locations at WHANGAMATA 07 864 7949 TRANSFER STATION tcdc.govt.nz/rts tcdc.govt.nz/rubbishcompactors

14 tcdc.govt.nz/rubbish www.thecoromandel.com 15 Dump Stations Public Toilets We have many public toilets around the district for your The following locations have dump stations where you can convenience. Please use these or your on-board toilet if you’re in empty your campervan toilet and wastewater. The TCDC a campervan. locations are free of charge. Charges may apply at holiday parks where customers are not staying. Fletcher Bay Port Jackson THAMES/THAMES COAST Whitianga Campground Stony Bay MOEHAU TCDC Dump Station at Thames BP 6 Bongard Rd, Whitianga Fantail Bay station.100 Banks St, Thames. RA PORT CHARLES SOUTH NG Dickson Holiday Park Flaxmill E Victoria St, Tararu 1031 Purangi Rd, Flaxmill Bay Holiday Park 473 Thames Coast Rd Cooks Beach Holiday Resort 874 Purangi Rd Tapu Creek Campervan Park, Tapu COLVILLE 285 Tapu-Coroglen Rd Hahei Holiday Resort KEY Tapu Camp 41 Harsant Ave Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Toilet 723 Thames Coast Rd, Tapu Papa Aroha Holiday Park COROMANDEL TOWN 790 Hot Water Beach Rd Kuaotunu Matarangi TCDC Dump Station at Patukirikiri Long Bay Whangapoua River Glen Holiday Park Opito Bay Reserve, Wharf Road. & Campground COROMANDEL TOWN Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park 2436 Tapu-Coroglen Rd, 25 636 Rings Rd, Coromandel Town Whitianga Te Kouma COLVILLE WHITIANGA WHENUAKITE Flaxmill Bay Papa Aroha Holiday Park Manaia Seabreeze Holiday Park Cooks Beach 1091 Colville Rd 1043/1 Tairua-Whitianga Rd, HAHEI Anglers Lodge Whenuakite 1446 Colville Rd CO TAIRUA ROMAN Colville Bay Motel & Campground Waikawau Hot Water Beach TCDC dump station, corner of 25 COROGLEN 85 Wharf Rd, Colville DEL WHENUAKITE Ocean Rd and Paku Dr. 25 R KUAOTUNU Tairua Holiday Park TAPU AN

G Kuaotunu Campground 4 Manaia Rd E 33 Bluff Rd, Kuaotunu PAUANUI TE PURU WHITIANGA TCDC dump station next to TAIRUA TCDC dump station at Pleasant Pt boat ramp. PAUANUI Kauaeranga Valley Abrahamson Dr, off Moewai Rd. Pauanui Glade Holiday Park DOC HIKUAI Tararu Info Mercury Bay Holiday Park 58 Vista Paku Centre Broken 121 Albert St, Whitianga Hills OPOUTERE THAMES OPOUTERE Harbourside Holiday Park Opoutere Coastal Camping 135 Albert St, Whitianga (Oct – April). 460 Ohui Rd Kopu Mill Creek Bird & Animal Encounters WHANGAMATA Matatoki 365 Mill Creek Rd, Whitianga TCDC dump station, Martyn Rd. Puriri Whangamata Motor Camp Wentworth Valley WHANGAMATA 104 Barbara Ave 25 Hikutaia

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Waikino WAIHI 2 Tirohia KARANGAHAKE GORGE Waitawheta

Athenree Kaimai Forest Park

To Hamilton TE AROHA KEY

Local Visitor Information Ask a Local Information Centre/i-SITE Our Local Information Centres Campground DOC Campground We’ve got seven Visitor Information Centres on the Airports Coromandel that can point you in the right direction. Heritage & Mining They are all open seven days a week, with extended hours Fletcher Bay Cycleway over the summer. PORT JACKSON Kauri Heritage Stony Bay i-SITE Thames Tairua Information Centre MOEHAU RA Sandy Bay Golf Course 200 Mary St 2 Manaia Rd Fantail Bay Marine Reserve PORT CHARLES 07 868 7284 07 864 7575 NG Surfing E [email protected] [email protected] Fishing thecoromandel.com tairua.co.nz Waikawau Bay Walks Otautu Bay i-SITE Whitianga Pauanui Information Centre COLVILLE Visitor Information 66 Albert St 23 Centreway Centre/i-SITE 07 866 5555 Campground Amodeo Bay 07 864 7101 DOC Campground whitianga.info [email protected] Papa Aroha F TCDC Freedom Camping New Chum Beach @thecoromandel.com experiencepauanui.co.nz location Otama WHANGAPOUA KUAOTUNU Beach Airports Shelly Beach BAY thecoromandel.com WHANGAPOUA MATARANGI Heritage & Mining Long Bay Opito Bay Coromandel Town Cycleway COROMANDEL TOWN Whangamata Information Centre Kauri Heritage Coromandel Harbour 25 Golf Course To Information Centre 74 Kapanga Rd PASSENGER FERRY Te Kouma Waitaia Bay Marine Reserve Te Kouma Harbour 616 Port Rd 07 866 8598 Surfing Mercury Bay Manaia Harbour WHITIANGA 027 311 4102 [email protected] Fishings Manaia 309 Marine Reserve Walks Kauris Cooks CATHEDRAL COVE whangamatainformationcentre coromandeltown.co.nz Ferry Beach Landing HAHEI @gmail.com thecoromandel.com/towns/ C Kauaeranga Visitor Centre (DOC) OR whangamata/ O Kauaeranga Valley Rd, Thames Waikawau MAND HOT WATER BEACH COROGLEN 07 867 9080 25 WHENUAKITE EL

RA [email protected] TAPU 25 N

G doc.govt.nz

E Rangihau Sailors Grave Square Valley Te Karo Bay WAIOMU Kauri TE PURU TAIRUA Pinnacles Broken PAUANUI A FIRTH Hut Hills OF THAMES DOC Puketui Slipper Is. Tararu Info HIKUAI Centre

THAMES Kauaeranga Valley OPOUTERE

25a Kopu ONEMANA ARUA 25 Auckland Matatoki 2 Puriri Valley Wentworth 2 Mangatarata Valley WHANGAMATA

27 Hikutaia 25

To Rotorua/Taupo Kopuatai 26 Waimama Bay Wet Lands

Netherton 18 tcdc.govt.nz/camping thecoromandel.com 19

Waikino Mackaytown WAIHI Orokawa Bay 2 Tirohia KARANGAHAKE GORGE Waitawheta

Athenree Kaimai Forest Park Bowentown

To Hamilton TE AROHA

To Rotorua 80kmoT Tauranga 70km 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: 515 Mackay Street, Thames Opening hours: 8am – 4:30pm

Thames 07 868 0200 Coromandel 07 866 1001 Whangamata 07 865 0060 Whitianga 07 867 2010

Fax: 07 868 0234 Website: tcdc.govt.nz December 2020

tcdc.govt.nz/camping