The Waikawau Boat ramp is located 30 minutes north of the Thames on the Thames to Coromandel Coast Road.
 
Access to the Firth of  Thames via a double concrete ramp. The river is dredged on a regular basis to allow access for boats up to 5 meters at, or close to, low tide. Larger boats should allow an hour on either side of the tide.
The ramp is a short distance up the river providing safe protected launching and retrieving from the prevailing westerly wind.
 
The Waikawau mussel farms are around 7 minutes from the mouth of the river providing excellent fishing a short distance from land.
The ramp is used by up to 400 boats a day over the summer holidays so be prepared to be patient and considerate of others on busy days.

The ramp is operated by an incorporated society and is self-funding via membership fees and launching fees.