Recreational Boat Ramp and Boat Trailer parking fees
With our boat ramp permits, you can launch from any Council-operated boat ramp, regardless of which one you select when you register.
Simple and secure: Easy to use and reliable.
One vehicle, one permit: Use the same vehicle to launch multiple vessels.
You’re in control: Manage your annual permit online, update details anytime.
Instant confirmation: Receive a confirmation email straight after payment.
Automatic reminders: Get notified before your permit expires.
Cost-neutral: Introducing the new system is cost-neutral for Council. Boat ramp fees are reinvested back into maintaining and improving local facilities.
Improved compliance: Compliance officers will continue to check plates and issue infringements where required. The new system makes it easier to ensure everyone using the ramps has paid, keeping things fair for all users.
Already have a permit? No action needed.
Not online? Visit one of our Council offices to purchase your annual permit in person.
Council boat ramps that require payment:
- Thames: Kōpū Boat Ramp
- Coromandel-Colville: Te Ariki Tahi/Sugarloaf Ramp,
- Mercury Bay: Matarangi Boat Ramp, Pūrangi Boat Ramp, Robinson Road Boat Ramp, Whitianga Esplanade Boat Ramp, Whangapoua Boat Ramp
- Tairua-Pāuanui: Tairua Wharf Boat Ramp, Royal Billy Boat Ramp
- Whangamatā: Beach Road Boat Ramp
How to pay:
Our annual boat ramp permits are managed through vPermit, a customer-focused online permit system with a convenient self-service portal. Permit holders can easily view their permit status, update vehicle licence plates, and receive automated renewal reminders by email.
Permits are instant and fully virtual, meaning no physical permit is required.
vPermit online payments can be made using:
- Credit or debit card
- Google Pay/Apple Pay
- Account-to-account transfer (direct credit)
Before you begin, have your payment method ready if paying by credit or debit card.
View our step-by-step user guide for purchasing permits here(PDF, 594KB)
Step 1 – Create an account
Register online here to create an account
Please allow a few minutes for the verification email to arrive and check your spam or junk folder if it does not appear.
Step 2 – Purchase your permit
Once your account has been verified, log in to select and purchase your permit(s).
Log in here
In person: If you’re unable to purchase your permit online, or would like to pay cash, please visit our Council offices at Thames, Coromandel Town, Whitianga and Whangamatā during normal working hours.
Please note that Council cannot guarantee the availability of parking spaces on any given day.
Annual permit options
| Type |
Description |
Fee |
| Combo launch & park
|
Allows you to launch and retrieve your vessel and park your vehicle and trailer in designated boat trailer parking areas. |
$150 |
| Launch only |
Allows you to launch and retrieve your vessel only. This option is ideal if you take your trailer home after launching or use an amphibious vehicle. |
$60 |
Click here to register for an annual permit
Day pass options
| Type |
Description |
Fee |
| Combo launch & park |
Allows you to launch and retrieve your vessel and park your vehicle and trailer in designated boat trailer parking areas. |
$36 |
| Launch only |
Allows you to launch and retrieve your vessel only. This option is ideal if you take your trailer home after launching or use an amphibious vehicle. |
$20
|
Purchase a day pass here
More information
If you change vehicles
You can log in to your account here at any time to view and manage your permit, including updating your registered licence plate.
Licence plates can be updated up to two times per permit validity period.
If all changes have been used, you can either:
Forgot your password?
Click here to reset your password.
Please allow a few minutes for the reset email to arrive, and check your spam or junk folder if it does not appear.
How long is an annual permit valid for?
Your annual permit is valid for 12 months from the date you purchase it. The new system will automatically email you a reminder before it's due to expire.
Launching vehicle licence plates
When purchasing your permit, you must enter the licence plate of your launching vehicle (not your trailer).
What has changed with annual permits?
All annual permits have been migrated to online (vPermit) and are now linked to the correct launching vehicle licence plate (rather than the trailer licence plate) and are no longer sold at retail outlets.
The move away from using trailer registrations and instead linking permits to the launching vehicle licence plate has been carefully considered as part of creating a simpler, more efficient system for both users and our Council. Using vehicle registrations allows Compliance Officers to verify payments quickly and accurately without needing to check both the towing vehicle and trailer at busy boat ramps. Requiring both registrations to be checked would significantly increase inspection times and operational costs.
This approach also supports the future direction for Phase 2 of the project (subject to Council approval), which may include fixed licence plate recognition cameras at paid boat ramps. These systems are designed to read vehicle licence plates automatically, helping improve compliance and creating a more streamlined experience for users. The new system improves our ability to ensure all ramp users have paid, helping to maintain fairness for all users and supporting the many regular boat ramp users who already comply by purchasing permits.
Where required, users may purchase multiple passes; however, each pass must be linked to a separate vehicle registration.
We understand this change may work differently for some boat ramp users, and while no single system will suit every situation, the new approach has been designed to provide the simplest and most practical solution for the majority of users while improving efficiency, fairness and ease of use overall.
What do I need to do if I already have a permit?
Nothing. Your existing permit remains valid until its expiry date.
Where can annual permits be purchased from 1 July 2026?
From 1 July 2026, annual permits will be available online, or you can purchase from one of our
Council Offices. Permits will no longer be sold at retail outlets.
Will compliance and enforcement processes change?
No. Compliance will continue as usual. Officers will still check licence plates and issue infringements where required.
Are there any future changes planned for monitoring and enforcement?
Yes. Looking ahead, fixed licence plate recognition cameras may be installed approximately 12 months after the system is implemented. These would enable automatic vehicle scanning for monitoring and enforcement, subject to Council approval.
Need help?
Contact us at:
For faster assistance, we recommend contacting us via email.