The Waikawau Boat ramp is located 30 minutes north of 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 metres 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.