Hi all, happy new year, looking at taking the boat to whangamata for a weeks holiday late March, is there a concrete boat ramp here? Only have a 2WD with a 6m boat also is there a bar crossing?

And anyone keen to let me know of some good spots around mayor island for kingies would much appreciate.

No concrete ramp at Whangamata, just hard packed sand. 2wd is all you need, very good access for 10-15 boats at once unless you use the pontoon, then 2 at a time.
Pontoon is no good at low tide, to launch/ retrieve at low tide go as far to right hand side of channel as you can, real easy.
No real bar so to speak of and fishing is normally great from March onwards too
Yes, dont forget to buy a trailer parking ticket, available from most places. Buy a week or month one, daily makes it too expensive. I pay $85 for yearly parking ticket

Thanks for the info and will be in touch just have to find a bach now that has room for the boat.

Te Namu wrote: What are the chances of launching (and retrieving) a 3.5T boat and trailer rig on the sand at Whangamata? Using a 4WD to tow. Can you launch at all tides? Can you drive off and onto trailer, or is it winch retrieve only? Or should I launch at Tairua on a concrete ramp and travel down coast to pick up crew?

No trouble at all with 3.5T boat mate but yes you will need 4wd. No drive on allowed at any ramp on Coromandel