North Coromandel campsites reopen as clean-up continues

Date: 04 February 2026

Northern Coromandel was heavily impacted by intense weather events in late January, damaging several of the popular DOC campsites around the northern tip of the peninsula - and the roads used to access them.

Nick Kelly, DOC's Coromandel Operations Manager, says all five of the north Coromandel campsites - Stony Bay, Waikawau, Fletcher Bay, Fantail Bay, and Port Jackson - were affected by the extreme weather which swept across the north of the country.

"They were closed due to infrastructure issues at and around the campsites, including damage to public roads, says Nick.

"The team has worked really hard, with the support of contractors, to ensure we can reopen Fletcher Bay, Fantail Bay and Port Jackson for the long weekend.

"It's been a hectic few days, with a lot of challenges and logistics to work through alongside other agencies, but we're pleased to have these beautiful campsites available for visitors this weekend so they can enjoy a Waitangi getaway."

The north Coromandel campsites offer a basic and classic kiwi coastal camping experience, in idyllic and isolated locations.

Nick says Waikawau and Stony Bay campsites remain unavailable due to a combination of at-place infrastructure issues - particularly water supply - and the situation with the roads in the immediate area.

"Those two campsites will be closed for at least another week, and we'll update our website pages for those facilities once they're available again."

The track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove reopened on Friday 30 January, after extensive work to clear debris and mud, and a geotechnical inspection, following the storm events.

Nick reiterated the need for visitors to be aware of the risks if visiting the picturesque cove and not to use any of the closed tracks across the Recreation Reserve.

"This is a known landslide and rockfall risk area - we urge people to be very conscious of this if they plan to visit. Lingering beneath the cliffs or under the famous rock arch is strongly discouraged."

Part of DOC's risk management for Mautohe Cathedral Cove is to monitor known landslip areas, and that will continue. Heavy rain is a trigger for the closure of the track to mitigate the landslide and rockfall risk to visitors, and that closure is communicated publicly. The track is only reopened after inspections.

Recent events on the East Coast and in Mt Maunganui - along with advice previously obtained by DOC - have shown the risk to public safety must be carefully managed based on reliable information.

There has also been a landslide on the closed Hahei coastal track to Grange Rd - reinforcing the previous decision not to repair and reopen that part of the track network. Work to completely decommission the closed section of the track is scheduled.

Reinstatement work at Waimata Gemstone Bay remains on hold and the track is currently closed.

Visitors should check the DOC website for alerts on tracks or facilities - these alerts will publicise closures as needed following inspections. People are also urged to check websites and social media channels for Thames Coromandel District Council, Hauraki District Council and NZTA.

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