Recreational Boat Ramp and Boat Trailer parking fees
New online boat ramp launch system coming 1 July
We’re making it easier and more convenient to get out on the water from 1 July 2026. Our Council is introducing a new online boat ramp launch system, delivered in partnership with Stellar - a trusted provider of parking and boat ramp solutions across New Zealand.
What’s changing?
The new system is designed to provide a smooth transition, minimal disruption and an easier experience for everyone.
✅ Your launching vehicle licence plate is your permit.
✅ No physical permits required
✅ Manage everything online, anytime
Why this matters:
Simple and secure: Easy to use and reliable.
One vehicle, one pass: Use the same vehicle to launch multiple vessels.
You’re in control: Manage your annual permit online, update details and licence plates anytime.
Instant confirmation: Receive a confirmation email straight after payment. Permits are valid for 12 months from date of purchase
Automatic reminders: Get notified before your permit expires.
Cost-neutral: Introducing the new system is cost-neutral for Council and 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.
How it works:
We’re starting with the introduction of vPermit from 1 July 2026, a user-friendly self-service platform:
- Simply scan the QR code on the sign at the boat ramp to get started.
- Purchase and manage your permits online.
- Link permits to your launching vehicle licence plate (not the trailer).
- Existing annual permits remain valid until expiry.
- Compliance monitoring remains business as usual.
Important things to know:
- All annual permits are migrated to vPermit and linked to the correct launching vehicle licence plate (instead of the trailer licence plate). All existing permits will remain valid until their expiry.
- Annual permits will be online only from 1 July 2026 (No longer available at retail outlets)
- Compliance continues as usual. Officers will still check plates and issue infringements where required.
- Annual permits are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
- Looking ahead, fixed licence plate recognition cameras may be installed approximately 12 months after this new system has been in place, enabling automatic vehicle scanning for monitoring and enforcement (subject to Council approval).
Need help?
Not online or need assistance? Get in touch or visit one of our Council customer service centres here. Our team can help you purchase and manage your pass.
SCAN. PAY. LAUNCH AWAY.
Pay for a boat ramp pass
With our boat ramp paid pass, you can launch from any Council-operated boat ramp, regardless of which one you select when you register.
Council boat ramps that require payment are:
- 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
Types of passes
You can choose an annual pass or passes from 1-3 days.
Note: If you have two boats but only use one at a time, you can register your towing vehicle's registration on your boat pass. This means you can choose which boat to use without needing two separate passes.
There are two types of passes:
Combo pass – vehicle and boat
This allows you to launch and retrieve your vessel and park your vehicle and trailer in a parking space designated for boat trailer parking.
$34 (one-day pass)
$66 (two-day pass)
$99 (three-day pass)
$120 (annual pass)
Please note that Council cannot guarantee the availability of parking spaces on any given day.
Launch-only pass
This allows you to launch and retrieve only. It’s ideal if you plan to take your trailer home or have an amphibious vehicle.
$18 (one-day pass)
$52 (annual pass)
At the boat ramp
We’ve placed signage at all ten ramps, each with its own unique QR code and simple instructions for scanning, paying and downloading your receipt.
- Scan the QR code displayed at the boat ramp with your mobile using your QR scanner app, camera or Google Lens.
- Open the link, and follow the steps to complete your payment using a credit card, Google Pa, or Apple Pay.
Pay in person at an outlet
Passes can be bought from Council offices at Thames, Coromandel Town, Whitianga and Whangamatā during normal working hours.
The following outlets also sell passes.
- Cooks Beach Resort, 874 Purangi Road T: 07 866 5469
- Coromandel Town BP, 50 Tiki Road, Coromandel Town. T: 07 866 8059
- Matarangi General Store, 197 Matarangi Drive T: 07 866 5396
- Pāuanui Information Centre, 23 Centreway Road T: 07 864 7101
- Tairua Information Centre, 2 Manaia Road T: 07 864 7575
- Dutchy's Tairua,12 The Marina T: 07 864 7001
- Challenge Whangamatā, 522 Port Road T: 07 865 7698
- JCD Customs & Marine Whangamatā, 205 Aickin Road T: 07 865 9073
- Bubbas Fishing and Outdoors Whangamatā, 321 Casement Road T: 07 865 7464
- Gas Whangapoua, 376 Tangiora Avenue T: 07 866 8274
- Gull Whitianga, 5 Monk Street T: 07 866 5485
- Longshore Marine Whitianga, 3/1 Blacksmith Lane T: 07 866 4607
- Mobil Whitianga, 200 Joan Gaskill Drive T: 07 280 0062
- Z Whitianga, 83-5 Albert Street T: 07 867 1260
Check expiry of pass
To find out when your pass expires, click on this payment link and put your details in. We don't yet have a system to send pass holders a reminder, but when you buy an annual pass, set a reminder in your calendar or diary to renew your pass in a year's time.