Waikawau Bay Campsite

About this campsite

Waikawau Bay is the largest DOC campsite. It is very popular over the summer months and Easter. 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 is close 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 Campsite offers an isolated back to nature conservation experience, so make sure you come prepared and self-sufficient.

Campsite details

Waikawau Bay is an expansive campsite with a capacity of 660 people. Bookings are essential and should be completed online.

The campsite has three areas:

Beachside

• Unpowered sites.
• Located in the main area of the camp on the beach side of the main road.
• Open year round.

Bushside (pump paddock)

• Unpowered sites.
• Located across the road from the main camp area and backs on to native bush.
• Only open from 15 December to 15 February

Mains power

• 12 powered sites for caravans and campervans that have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness and who want power. No other forms of camping are permitted in this area.
• Located in the main area of the camp on the beach side of the road. Accessed through Beachside camping area.
• Open year round.

Facilities and services

No cooking facilities

There are no cooking facilities provided at this campsite. Bring your own gas-operated equipment.

Rubbish and recycling

This campground is Pack In Pack Out. There are no rubbish or recycling facilities for compost or food waste. A container with a sealed lid is recommended for your food scraps. 

The closest refuse transfer station is 525 Hauraki Road, Coromandel Town. See  for opening hours and other transfer stations. 

Facilities

Non-powered/tent sites, Powered sites, Shower - cold, Water from tap - not treated, boil before use, Wheelchair accessible with assistance, Toilets - non-flush, Toilets, Water supply

Activities

Boating, Diving and snorkelling, Fishing, Swimming, Walking and tramping

Fees and bookings

Fees

9 February to 25 December

Non-powered site

• Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
• Child (5 - 17 years): $9 per night
• Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Powered site

• Adult (18+ years): $21 per night
• Child (5 - 17 years): $10.50 per night
• Infant (0 - 4 years): free

26 December to 8 February

Non-powered site

• Adult (18+ years): $20 per night
• Child (5 - 17 years): $10 per night
• Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Powered site

• Adult (18+ years): $23 per night
• Child (5 - 17 years): $11.50 per night
• Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Passes

The can be used at this campsite. 

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book. 

There's a $3 fee per Campsite Pass user to book a powered site.

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.

• If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
• No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
• Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
• Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

A maximum of five people can book into a site. All sites must contain an adult. 

Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.

Your booking will be for the number of people in your party – there are no designated sites. Find space for your party on arrival.

If you arrive without an online booking, contact or attempt to book online. Eftpos may be available with the rangers on duty during the peak summer season. No cash facilities.

Wifi guest booking access is available at Port Jackson, Stony Bay, and Waikawau campsites outside the office.

More details

Access: Campervan, Car, Caravan

Landscape: Coastal

Dogs: No dogs.

Sites: 12 powered, 120 unpowered