Hi all, we are heading to Whangamata for the Christmas hols, taking the boat ( of course), and am looking for info about ramps in the area. The missus is worried that she will struggle to hold the boat while I park the wagon. Are there any ramps in the general area that have a pontoon that we can tie it up to?   

Yeah, KikBac's onto it. There is a ramp on Beach Rd but no pontoons to tie up to. Gets pretty busy around new years.

Just had a look at it on google earth, what is it like launching off the sand? Boat is a 6M fibreglass, so pretty heavy, and we only have a 2WD. Any issues that you guys can think of?  

Thanks kaveman. The better half likes pontoons coz its easier for her to hold the boat while I park, and she is worried that it will get away from her if shes just standing in the tide with it. But if theres lots of room I could always dig the anchor into the sand to hold it while I park, and that will keep her happy

Mate, if we were there and you were launching and conditions meant it looked like your other half was struggling, I'd either lend a hand or prompt one of my crew - and I'm an Aucklander and I doubt if I'm alone.

There has been a moratorium on these permits BUT some places, eg Whangamata have had there permits fees reimposed, others like Whitianga,Tairua have had theres squashed.

Best bet is to go to the TCDC website and check which ramps need parking permits. I am pretty sure that 1 fee covers ALL ramps in TCDC care. If in doubt, give them a ring

Tickets/permits can be bought from most garages,bait shops, marine and fishing shops etc
i havent looked at the TCDC website but would think all info would be in there to read

Sufishent - you'll be ok if you are staying at Long Bay anyway as there is a ramp in the camp. it is public but you will park in the camp so can't see that they can charge you for that. you need about 1 1/2 to 2 hours of tide to get in and out though and may still have to walk the boat in if it is a small tide. No real drama though to work around that.