Boaties heading out on the water in the Thames-Coromandel district will soon notice a simpler way to pay for launching at Council-operated boat ramps. From 1 July, Thames-Coromandel District Council is rolling out a new online permit system that replaces traditional paper permits with a fully digital platform.
The new service, developed in partnership with New Zealand technology provider Stellar, allows users to purchase and manage their boat ramp passes online. Instead of displaying a physical permit, a vehicle’s licence plate becomes the proof of payment, making the entire process quicker and easier for regular users.
One of the biggest advantages of the new system is its flexibility. Rather than linking a permit to a particular boat, owners can register the towing vehicle instead. That means anyone with more than one boat can use whichever vessel they choose, provided they’re towing it with the registered vehicle. Annual permit holders can also log in at any time to update their vehicle details or change licence plates without needing to contact Council.
Existing permit holders won’t need to do anything immediately, with their current passes remaining valid until they expire. Once it’s time to renew, they’ll simply move across to the new online platform. The system will also send automatic renewal reminders, helping to ensure permits don’t accidentally lapse.
Council says the introduction of the digital platform won’t increase costs, with revenue from boat ramp fees continuing to be reinvested into maintaining and improving local boating facilities. Compliance officers will still carry out routine checks by scanning vehicle registration plates, making it easier to confirm permits are valid while ensuring everyone contributes fairly towards the upkeep of the district’s popular launching sites.
A single permit provides access to every Council-operated paid boat ramp across the Thames-Coromandel district, including facilities at Kōpū, Sugarloaf, Matarangi, Pūrangi, Robinson Road, Whitianga, Whangapoua, Tairua Wharf, Royal Billy and Whangamatā.
Boaties can choose between short-term passes covering one, two or three days, or an annual permit if they use the ramps regularly. Those wanting both launching and designated boat trailer parking can purchase a Combo Pass, while a lower-cost Launch-Only Pass is available for amphibious vessels or users who take their trailer elsewhere after launching.
Pricing starts at $18 for a one-day Launch-Only Pass and $34 for a one-day Combo Pass. Annual passes cost $52 for Launch-Only access or $120 for the Combo option, with permits available online or through participating Council payment outlets.
Learn more: Recreational boat ramp and boat trailer parking fees
