rocko - Not a problem, yeah a 4x4 would be sweet on the beach, I've used my 2wd quad once to pull the trailer closer (still don't have a jockey wheel myself haha) which was solid on the mud so your 4wd would be kosher.

your attitude dont stink plow...any advice is good advice

I have to say that hard won knowledge gained through working something out yourself gives a sense of accomplishment, and it is never forgotten. That is what being a local is all about - hard earned experience.

Thanks for that tho still somewhere friendly enough for 4x4 is still bit iffy ,yep ive seen 4x4 stuck on beach or in mud.

*yes dear we wont take the wagon its too good for the beach,instead it gets a dosing of salt from puky  short boat ramps *

1 we have out here is okish at low tide tho coverd in mud,its whats beyond the ramp in the unseen which concerns me

I believe in Karma

some of you guys have gotten the wrong end of the stick from me.. If you guys know Teal bay you would understand that the reason I didn't want to mention it is that the neighbours to the launching area are tired of saving peoples arses... The conditions change depending on recent rain waters coming down the estuary which shifts the sand and hides rocks in the channel which is only a couple of metres wide, too small for many fiberglass boats. The rain and shifting sand confuses the current and steers motor driven boats onto the rocks which are only a couple of feet under the high tide mark. At low tide there is no tidal water, the channel water coming from the hills is sometimes ankle deep and forces people to try and take their trailers up the sand, which is too soft for normal tractors. Hence the long chain of stuck tractors, Its happened a few times too.  We only launch a 12 foot tinny from the estuary and use oars until right out in the bay. I help my neighbours and visitors(including mates of mine with bigger boats) by suggesting they launch at the next beach around the corner where they are less likely to have problems.

yeah I suppose it is JK.. you're right mate.

most regional councils website also have boat ramp info..

The idea to build a knowledge base and be able to share it has huge merit and thanks for the idea Bill.  I'm going to discuss the practicalities of setting something up with our developers and will let you know the outcome of that in due course.  

Rocko mentioned the Matakawau boat ramp before but I
wanted to expand a little further .
There is a decent sized turning circle and plenty of parking space there .



There's quite a long (approx 50 mtr ) reverse to the waters edge .



There's also a jetty and a walk around to get onboard if there happens to be other boats launching or if you have a bigger boat .







This 7 mtr boat was able to be launched with ease .

Points to note are an unmarked and submerged at high tide reef 150 mtrs south of the ramp on the edge of the Waiuku channel that really should be marked as it could be quite dangerous for the unsuspecting .
Also when it blows hard from the East there is no shelter from the waves .



There has been an upgrade to the ramp at the end of October to increase the gradient .



It is advised to jack-knife your trailor to the left 9in pic) to take advantage of the gradient change and there's plenty of space for 2-3 to go at a time depending on the stage of the tide .



Be aware that there is a rock hard at the base of the southern cliff face that could catch you unaware , the council would not allow for the removal of this obstacle due to the fact that it has seaweed on it



There's also an honesty box at the top of the ramp for maintenance of which the Matakawau Boating Club are responsible
for , so please give generously or I'll punch
you in the teefs