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Three of the five Department of Conservation campsites at the northern end of the Coromandel Peninsula will reopen in time for Waitangi Weekend, following storm damage caused by severe weather in late January.
Department of Conservation Coromandel operations manager Nick Kelly says all five north Coromandel campsites — Stony Bay, Waikawau, Fletcher Bay, Fantail Bay and Port Jackson — were affected by extreme weather that damaged infrastructure and access roads.
“They were closed due to infrastructure issues at and around the campsites, including damage to public roads,” Nick says.
“After some intense work by our team, supported by contractors, we’re pleased to be able to reopen Fletcher Bay, Fantail Bay and Port Jackson for the long weekend.”
Nick says the reopening follows several challenging days of repair work and coordination with other agencies.
“It’s been a hectic period, but we’re glad these iconic coastal campsites will be available so visitors can enjoy a Waitangi getaway,” he says.
Waikawau and Stony Bay campsites will remain closed for at least another week due to ongoing infrastructure issues, particularly water supply, and continued problems with local road access.
“We’ll update our website once those facilities are safe and ready to reopen,” Nick says.
The north Coromandel campsites are known for their basic, classic Kiwi coastal camping experience, located in remote and scenic settings.
DOC is also reminding visitors to take care if visiting Mautohe Cathedral Cove, where the walking track reopened on Friday, January 30, 2026 following debris clearance and a geotechnical inspection.
Nick reiterates that visitors must stay off closed tracks within the recreation reserve and remain alert to natural hazards.
“This is a known landslide and rockfall risk area,” he says. “Lingering beneath the cliffs or under the rock arch is strongly discouraged.”
Monitoring of known landslip areas will continue, with heavy rainfall remaining a trigger for temporary track closures. Tracks are only reopened after inspections confirm it is safe to do so.
A landslide on the closed Hahei coastal track to Grange Road has also reinforced the earlier decision not to repair or reopen that section. Work to fully decommission the closed track is scheduled.
Reinstatement work at Waimata Gemstone Bay remains on hold, and the track is currently closed.
DOC is urging visitors to check its website for alerts before travelling, and to also monitor updates from Thames-Coromandel District Council, Hauraki District Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
