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All freedom campers must be certified self-contained.
Maximum stay of two consecutive nights, departure by 9am.
Park only between the freedom camping signs.
Location - Tangiora Ave Ext., west side adjacent to the trees.
Size - 12m or 2 car park spaces, starting at the second car park space from the entrance on the west side and heading north.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Thames-Coromandel District CouncilCouncil organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Overnight Camping Site Cost |
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Overnight Camping Site CostWhat is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Free Camping It costs nothing to stay overnight. In general this means that you should not expect any facilities. |
Overnight Stay Rules |
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Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight stays are only permitted if your vehicle is certified as being 'self-contained'. The vehicle must display the "Responsible Camper" sticker. |
Maximum Stay Duration |
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Maximum Stay DurationHow many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 2 nights You may stay up to two nights in a row. |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot. |
✓ Beautiful beachfront location
✓ Immaculate facilities
✓ Free cooking facilities
✓ Great for sunrise viewing
✓ Close to amenities
𐄂 Limited parking spots
𐄂 Crowded and busy
It’s a great spot.
(Feb 2022) toilets could not be closer!
Nonsense.
Only two places available.
Fantastic freedom camping spot.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 5 |
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29% |
9/10 | 6 |
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35% |
8/10 | 1 |
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6% |
7/10 | 2 |
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12% |
6/10 | 1 |
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6% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 2 |
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12% |
5.0/5
It’s a great spot.
We got there early to get our 1 of 2 spots, between the signs. By the end of the day one other camper parked in the other spot, and five others parked illegally, taking up all the other spots in the parking area, meant for locals using the beach and the playground. Early the next morning a Council Enforcement vehicle showed up and issued citations to all that were illegally parked. Their “free” spot ended up costing them $$$. Hope they learned a lesson.
Reviewed 28 days ago
5.0/5
Stayed in winter, arrived early so we got a spot (two spots) Verry easy beautiful white sand beach access, there was only one toilet in the block open but we understand cause it was winter.
It was extremely clean. There was a sink (but no dish washing allowed) . Outdoor beach cold shower by the toilets. The play ground was immaculate & picturesque with new equipment, lots of benches for beach watching/picnicking. There was a free hot cooker surface in the park under shelter. We were really happy to stay in this place it set the bar for cleanliness and services. Lots of local residents/some surfers walk through here even in the winter but they did not give us a hard time. Nice place to catch a sunrise as well it faces right onto the sand. We are just beginners but this was the best freedom spot we stayed at during out trip and we appreciate the community that approved this and sharing their little piece of beautiful NZ, even if it's just two spots, we appreciate it and do not take it forgranted.
Reviewed 6 months ago
3.5/5
Great spot by a beautiful beach but with only two small spots we've found it's always full!
We've tried to stay here a few times but have been unsuccessful. Worth going to the beach and our kids loved the playground.
Reviewed 8 months ago
5.0/5
Fantastic freedom camping spot.
Very clean flushing toilets and 2 cold (but high pressure) showers. Only 2 spots available, so you need to get here as early as possible....honestly before the campers from the previous night leave. We arrived at 10am and somebody moved for us, 5 minutes later the next space was taken the same way. At least 20 freedom campers came and went whilst we were here. The council regularly check and people outside the spaces get fined, if you want to risk it you need to leave before 7am.
Great place to walk to New Chums, you can see why it's a popular site!
Reviewed 9 months ago
4.5/5
We were lucky enough to get a spot here as there are only two vehicules authorized.
Located just near the beautiful beach, it has everything you need: toilets open 24/7 and cold showers. You can also buy food at the gas station which is 50m from the carpark. We advise to come here early to enjoy the beach and also to discover new chum's beach, an awesome hidden gem.
Reviewed 9 months ago
5.0/5
You basically have to be here at 8 or 9 in the morning because people are queueing to take your place.
Why? It's next to the beach and there's a shower. 2 places
Reviewed 9 months ago
0.5/5
Nonsense.
It’s a very small and busy beach parking. Campers are queuing and waiting for ordinary cars to leave those two spots.
Reviewed 11 months ago
4.5/5
Sadly we were too late pulling in- only two spots between the arrows and they are tight!
The rangers are also on patrol so if you’re the kind to take a risk don’t bother- Earls is dirt cheap and up the road with amazing views.
Very clean toilets ( cleaned daily), cold outdoor showers.
Next to a play park but kids had disappeared by the time we’d walked the beach stretch.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
A beautiful spot right on the waterfront, clean toilets open all night.
Cold outdoor showers but in full view of the park so you’d need your togs. Two spaces only, we were the only ones there on a weeknight. Childrens park nextdoor has a rather irritating bell toy that gets rung early on in the morning so we were up early!
Beautiful views and a lovely wee stay, shop next door does a half decent coffee.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
4.5/5
(Feb 2022) toilets could not be closer!
Only a 5 second walk away. 4 modern clean toilets with 2 outdoor showers and plenty of picnic tables right on the beach. Only 2 specs parked end to end so big enough for 2 small vehicles or one long RV. Spaces are on a slight slow sideways towards the curve. Felt safe. Ranger checked at 7am.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
3.5/5
Visited in winter, beautiful dog friendly white beach with turquoise ocean.
Parking lot only has two freedom camping spots. Toilets look new and clean with cold showers. Seems to be a popular spot for tradies having their lunch.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
It’s a great spot.
We got there early to get our 1 of 2 spots, between the signs. By the end of the day one other camper parked in the other spot, and five others parked illegally, taking up all the other spots in the parking area, meant for locals using the beach and the playground. Early the next morning a Council Enforcement vehicle showed up and issued citations to all that were illegally parked. Their “free” spot ended up costing them $$$. Hope they learned a lesson.
Reviewed 28 days ago
5.0/5
Stayed in winter, arrived early so we got a spot (two spots) Verry easy beautiful white sand beach access, there was only one toilet in the block open but we understand cause it was winter.
It was extremely clean. There was a sink (but no dish washing allowed) . Outdoor beach cold shower by the toilets. The play ground was immaculate & picturesque with new equipment, lots of benches for beach watching/picnicking. There was a free hot cooker surface in the park under shelter. We were really happy to stay in this place it set the bar for cleanliness and services. Lots of local residents/some surfers walk through here even in the winter but they did not give us a hard time. Nice place to catch a sunrise as well it faces right onto the sand. We are just beginners but this was the best freedom spot we stayed at during out trip and we appreciate the community that approved this and sharing their little piece of beautiful NZ, even if it's just two spots, we appreciate it and do not take it forgranted.
Reviewed 6 months ago
3.5/5
Great spot by a beautiful beach but with only two small spots we've found it's always full!
We've tried to stay here a few times but have been unsuccessful. Worth going to the beach and our kids loved the playground.
Reviewed 8 months ago
4.5/5
We were lucky enough to get a spot here as there are only two vehicules authorized.
Located just near the beautiful beach, it has everything you need: toilets open 24/7 and cold showers. You can also buy food at the gas station which is 50m from the carpark. We advise to come here early to enjoy the beach and also to discover new chum's beach, an awesome hidden gem.
Reviewed 9 months ago
5.0/5
You basically have to be here at 8 or 9 in the morning because people are queueing to take your place.
Why? It's next to the beach and there's a shower. 2 places
Reviewed 9 months ago
5.0/5
Fantastic freedom camping spot.
Very clean flushing toilets and 2 cold (but high pressure) showers. Only 2 spots available, so you need to get here as early as possible....honestly before the campers from the previous night leave. We arrived at 10am and somebody moved for us, 5 minutes later the next space was taken the same way. At least 20 freedom campers came and went whilst we were here. The council regularly check and people outside the spaces get fined, if you want to risk it you need to leave before 7am.
Great place to walk to New Chums, you can see why it's a popular site!
Reviewed 9 months ago
0.5/5
Nonsense.
It’s a very small and busy beach parking. Campers are queuing and waiting for ordinary cars to leave those two spots.
Reviewed 11 months ago
4.5/5
Sadly we were too late pulling in- only two spots between the arrows and they are tight!
The rangers are also on patrol so if you’re the kind to take a risk don’t bother- Earls is dirt cheap and up the road with amazing views.
Very clean toilets ( cleaned daily), cold outdoor showers.
Next to a play park but kids had disappeared by the time we’d walked the beach stretch.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
A beautiful spot right on the waterfront, clean toilets open all night.
Cold outdoor showers but in full view of the park so you’d need your togs. Two spaces only, we were the only ones there on a weeknight. Childrens park nextdoor has a rather irritating bell toy that gets rung early on in the morning so we were up early!
Beautiful views and a lovely wee stay, shop next door does a half decent coffee.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
4.5/5
(Feb 2022) toilets could not be closer!
Only a 5 second walk away. 4 modern clean toilets with 2 outdoor showers and plenty of picnic tables right on the beach. Only 2 specs parked end to end so big enough for 2 small vehicles or one long RV. Spaces are on a slight slow sideways towards the curve. Felt safe. Ranger checked at 7am.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
3.5/5
Visited in winter, beautiful dog friendly white beach with turquoise ocean.
Parking lot only has two freedom camping spots. Toilets look new and clean with cold showers. Seems to be a popular spot for tradies having their lunch.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
3.0/5
The bathrooms are nearby but a bit far in a rain storm.
The beach is super close which is beautiful! Our only concern was there were cars coming and going, parking and leaving all throughout the night which we thought was quite odd and gave us some paranoia. The spot is just two parking spots on the street. Nothing fancy.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
4.0/5
Lovely little car park with a view over the beach.
Only two allocated camper spaces so get in early to avoid disappointment. Toilets lovely and clean although women’s shower doesn’t work, saw campers using the one in the men’s instead. Great spot to go and visit New Chums Beach and quiet spot to stay for the night.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.5/5
Only two sites so be early or ask if someone will leave.
I heard that the council checks regularly but there were other vans staying over night and they didn't seem to have issues. Awesome view over the bay, basic toilet, shower, picnic table and a little shaded area. So everything you need.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
4.5/5
Only two places available.
The police are actively checking, one was fined the day we arrived because not self-contained, the day we left a car was sent away because they slept in a normal car. The site is wonderful, almost directly on the white beach (separated by stairs), but quite some waves and under current.
Toilets were clean, but were not cleaned during our two night stay in the weekend. The cold showers were closed unfortunately (February 2016). There is a very nice play ground area and two picnic tables. They are upgrading this place by adding a lot more picnic tables (in preparation).
At Friday night there was a local middle age group of six or seven at one of the tables drinking alcohol and listening music. They were nice and not loud and left around nine. At Saturday afternoon there was a lot of youth hanging around and drinking beer, they left around seven. We had also some noise of throwing bottles in bottle containers early in the morning. So, it is not a real quit place, but we loved it. People are nice and we felt welcome.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
5.0/5
Great spot in a car park on a very quiet, pristine beach.
Male and female toilet; 3 toilets and a cold shower in each. Excellent facilities to get rid of rubbish, including many recycling bins. A large play ground is situated beside the 2 designated parks. A general store operates directly across the road.
Mostly occupied by locals, who were present and a little too friendly (one coming into our van). There are picnic tables that offer excellent beach views. We used the beach to run on and some people were fishing. There are only 2 designated spots for self contained only. There were other motor homes and non self contained vehicles that camped in spots that weren't allocated. I find that quite disrespectful personally and hope in future they get fined. It was a busy car park and due to motor vans taking up non designated spots, people had no room to park. If you do intend on camping there come at 5pm and grab one of the two available spots, you won't regret it.
Reviewed about 9 years ago