Camping in Coromandel is one of the most sought-after amusement activities in the region with loads of choices available for you. From camping in a forest setting to camping on a beach coast, Coromandel has it all.
Types of Camping in Coromandel
There are mainly 3 different kinds of campsites in the Coromandel namely:- Department of Conservation (DOC) Campsites: The DOC provides paid campgrounds with basic facilities like water supply and toilets.
- Commercial Holiday/Caravan Parks: These are privately-owned places that offer pitches for tents, powered sites to cabins and motels, and many other facilities of higher quality like kitchen, laundry rooms, toilets, dump station, wi-fi, etc.
- Freedom Camping: If you have a certified self-contained campervan with proper water and toilet system, you can ‘freedom camp’, meaning you can camp for the night in the allotted areas for camping, free of charge. However, you must not camp overnight outside of the allotted area as it will invite a fine of $ 200.
Camping-Friendly Sites in Coromandel
1. Waikawau Bay
Located along the white-sand beach, it is the largest DOC campsite with a capacity of 1250 people and is perfect for families. It is best to book the campsite in advance, especially during peak season (December to February).
Camping Fee:
1. Powered Site: NZD 18 per night
2. Non-Powered Site: NZD 15 per night.
2. Fletcher Bay
Camping Fee: NZD 15 per night.
3. Victoria Park, Waihi
A freedom camping site with a dump station nearby, it lies in the Hauraki District. Power is not available here, so ensure that you have enough substitutes.
Overnight Parking Fee: NZD 5
4. Shelly Beach
Located 5 minutes north of Coromandel town, it is a beachfront holiday park with power and water supply. It has various accommodation options like park motels, self-contained units, lodge rooms, powered sites, and non-powered sites. Book in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.
Overnight Parking Fee: Ranges from $ 100 to $340 in peak season.
Things to Keep in Mind while Camping in Coromandel
- Dump your waste responsibly. In most campsites, there will be proper waste disposal facilities available.
- There is a fine of $ 200 if you are caught freedom camping in any restricted area.
- You are required to depart by 9 am, if you are freedom camping. Also, you can camp for a maximum of two consecutive nights.
Transport Facilities:
- Bike Hire: NZD 25 - 120
- Coromandel Town Explorer Railway: NZD 45- 90
- Ferry: NZD 55 - 395
- Bus: Up to NZD 120
- Car Hire: NZD 20 - 60
Food:
- Hotel breakfast: NZD 15- 40
- Cafe lunch: NZD 10- 25
- Takeaway snack: NZD 3 - 5
- Cappuccino: NZD 4 - 5
- Big Mac Hamburger: NZD 5.20
Best Time to Visit for Camping in Coromandel:
Although the peak seasons are summer (December to February) and winter (June to August), the best time to visit would be spring (September to November), when it won’t be very crowded. You can have enough space for yourself in campsites and the fares will also be cheaper.What to Pack
Although the campsites have almost all the facilities required during a stay, below is a list of things you may require to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. Camping will feel like a home away from home.Camping Gear/Checklist
- Canvas or Dome tent
- Sleeping Bag and Pillows
- Sleeping Mats
- Table and Camping chairs
- Torches, batteries, and chargers
- Extra ropes, cable ties, and pegs
- Portable fan
- Extra blankets (for winters)
- Barbeque or LPG stove
- Lighters and matchbox
- Toiletries
- Mosquito repellent
- Suitable clothing and footwear
- First-Aid Box
- Maps
- Utility knife
- Camera/memory cards
- Bins/Waste Disposal Bags
- Tent repair kit
- Other miscellaneous items