Waiomu Domain
The Waiomu Domain is a lovely area with toilets, a children’s playground, a self-service BBQ, picnic tables and a Freedom Camping area. A huge Pohutukawa stands in the middle of the domain making for an impressive sight.
The word Waioumu means ‘the sea waters shaped like a cooking oven’.
The sheltered waters and valleys of this area provided a haven for many hapu of Ngāti Tamaterā, whose villages nestled under the many pā on the hills.
Captain James Cook anchored the HMS Endeavour at Waiomu on the 19 November 1769, and on the 20th of November travelled by longboat up the Waihou River for 14 miles in search of timber for masts and spars for the Admiralty. Cook renamed the river ‘The Thames’, as it reminded him of the river Thames in England. He also renamed the Firth of Thames, which was known to Iwi as Tīkapa Moana.
The wonderful Waiomu Cafe is across the road from the Domain, and the Waiomu Valley Walk can be started from here also. At Waiomu Fishing and Tackle (also across the road) you can hire kayaks to explore the bay.
If you’re planning to freedom camp at Waiomu Domain, it is a fantastic spot. There is only room for 6-8 self-contained campers, so get there early to claim your spot.
Waiomu Domain Location
Waiomu Domain is located 11km north of Thames township and left off the Thames Coastal Highway (SH25).
Waiomu Domain
The Waiomu Domain is a lovely area with toilets, a children’s playground, a self-service BBQ, picnic tables and a Freedom Camping area. A huge Pohutukawa stands in the middle of the domain making for an impressive sight.
The word Waioumu means ‘the sea waters shaped like a cooking oven’.
The sheltered waters and valleys of this area provided a haven for many hapu of Ngāti Tamaterā, whose villages nestled under the many pā on the hills.
Captain James Cook anchored the HMS Endeavour at Waiomu on the 19 November 1769, and on the 20th of November travelled by longboat up the Waihou River for 14 miles in search of timber for masts and spars for the Admiralty. Cook renamed the river ‘The Thames’, as it reminded him of the river Thames in England. He also renamed the Firth of Thames, which was known to Iwi as Tīkapa Moana.
The wonderful Waiomu Cafe is across the road from the Domain, and the Waiomu Valley Walk can be started from here also. At Waiomu Fishing and Tackle (also across the road) you can hire kayaks to explore the bay.
If you’re planning to freedom camp at Waiomu Domain, it is a fantastic spot. There is only room for 6-8 self-contained campers, so get there early to claim your spot.
Waiomu Domain Location
Waiomu Domain is located 11km north of Thames township and left off the Thames Coastal Highway (SH25).
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