Tucks Bay: A Peaceful Base for Exploring the Coromandel
If you're taking a few days to explore the Coromandel Peninsula, you're going to need a launch pad for your daily excursions - a place to chill and relax after a day of discovery, or a place to do a spot of fishing and swimming. Tucks Bay is a small enclave attached to Long Bay Motorcamp that offers just that!
EAST/WEST
10/27/20262 min read


For travellers planning a few days on the Coromandel Peninsula, choosing a place to stay can shape the whole experience. Tucks Bay offers a quieter, simpler alternative to a larger holiday park: a relaxed coastal campsite where you can settle in, enjoy the surroundings and set out to discover the peninsula at your own pace. As part of Long Bay Motor Camp, it provides a distinct camping area away from the main campsite, making it an appealing option for visitors seeking a little more peace and quiet.
A Separate, Simple Campsite
Tucks Bay is best suited to campers who value a natural setting and do not need a long list of facilities. The area has no powered sites and no amenities block of its own. Facilities are basic, with long-drop toilets and tap water available at the campsite. Campers can also use the shower block at the main Long Bay Motor Camp, which provides a useful extra while allowing Tucks Bay to retain its more secluded feel.
This straightforward setup is worth considering before you arrive. Bring the equipment and supplies you need for a self-sufficient stay, and be prepared for a more rustic camping experience than you would find at a fully serviced holiday park. For many visitors, that simplicity is part of the appeal: fewer distractions, a quieter place to unwind and a chance to enjoy the outdoors without paying for facilities they may not use.
Fishing from the Shore
The bay offers opportunities to spend time fishing without needing to organise a boat trip. Depending on conditions and your experience, you can try beach fishing or explore suitable spots for rock fishing. It is a welcome option for anglers looking to fit a relaxed session into a wider Coromandel holiday, whether that means casting a line in the morning or spending a few peaceful hours by the water.
Rock fishing requires care. Check local conditions, choose a safe location and avoid exposed rocks when the sea is rough. Wear appropriate footwear, keep a close eye on changing waves and follow current safety advice. If conditions are uncertain, beach fishing is a more suitable choice. A cautious approach helps keep the experience enjoyable and ensures that a day outdoors does not become a dangerous one.
An Affordable Place to Slow Down
At $30 per person, Tucks Bay can be an affordable base for exploring the Coromandel, particularly for travellers happy with basic camping facilities. Rather than spending heavily on accommodation, you can put more of your holiday budget toward exploring the peninsula, enjoying local stops or simply extending your stay. The value lies not only in the price but also in the calm atmosphere and easy access to outdoor activities.
Before travelling, check with Long Bay Campsite for the current campsite rate, availability and any conditions that may have changed. Pack for a self-contained stay, plan how you will use the shared shower facilities and leave the campsite tidy for other visitors. With realistic expectations and a little preparation, Tucks Bay makes a rewarding place to pause between Coromandel adventures—a modest, peaceful base for fishing, fresh air and a slower pace of travel.
