Wairau Diversion Reserve
Overnight Campervan Parking
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Wairau Diversion Reserve
Overnight Freedom Camping on the coast at Wairau Diversion Reserve. Great fishing and white-baiting spot. Good surfing too when there's an easterly swell. Self contained vehicles only and maximum stay of 2 consecutive nights in any four week period.
NOTE - Marlborough generally gets particularly parched over summer, so please - NO FIRES
The Wairau Diversion area is located on the northern side of the lower reach of the Diversion. It is
accessed from the intersection of Thomas Road and Neal Road.
The area of the Wairau Diversion at the eastern end of the site is a restricted area for responsible camping. The Wairau Diversion Reserve Restricted Area is part of the reserve from the eastern boundary of the prohibited area adjacent to the Hinepango Wetland stretching in an easterly direction to the Wairau Diversion day use area. The area permitting responsible camping has a fence on its eastern boundary between the day use and the camping area.
No person may responsible camp except in the area shown and must be in a certified self-contained
vehicle.
Look for the Green Camping Zone signs about 1km along the gravel road after entering the reserve from Neal Road.
There is clear signage into the area directing campers to the area allocated for camping.
Vehicle numbers are limited to 75 vehicles.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Marlborough District CouncilCouncil organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Freedom Camping
Nearby
Reviews
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4.0/5
The actual camping spot is closed due to flood damage.
They have set up a secondary one a KM ahead of the original one. Signage could be improved as it is hard to see at night, and the roads have seen better days. Always lots of availability though, even when you arrive past midnight like we did. Easy spot to Freedom Camp if you get off the ferry late at night or have to get on early in the morning.
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4.0/5
Really nice spot, lots of places to camp Full 5G service No toilet Ground isn’t the most even
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5.0/5
Got off the late ferry around midnight after having the first one cancelled on us.
This was a good spot not too far from Picton. Dark, quiet and flat. Parking is pretty random and you’ll feel like you’re not in the right place but you are. Go through the concrete barriers and then drive down the road and camp on the righthand side of the road on the water. Beautiful views in the morning. Bathroom close by as well
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3.5/5
Great spot if you come from the ferry.
Beautifully located on the riverbank. Toilets are a far walk and okay regarding cleanliness. No toiletpaper. We were only 2 vans but heaps of space.
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5.0/5
17.07.22- reserve appears to be closed with Thomas Road blocked from the cross section with Neal Road.
Whole reserve appears inaccessible at least with a vehicle. Judging from nature of barrier it doesn't look like it will be open in a hurry, despite the temporary camping site marked on the Malborough website. High marks given as to not taint the future potential of this site in the hope it recovers, a shame considering this is written at 1am post ferry crossing
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3.5/5
This is an updated review since the recent flooding mid 2021.
The details around this Responsible Camping location is likely to change, when the council chooses its next move, but here's where it's at in late 2021 and into early 2022.
We've stayed here for around 15 years in between hopping on and off the ferry. It's always been a location of choice due to proximity to the Ferry and the fantastic location (Fishing / Surfing / Swimming and the rest).
This new change has pulled the location away from the ocean, so it's more of a walk to where we like to be. Plus the camping area isn't nearly as nice as the places closer to the beach. But in saying that, we greatly appreciated laying our heads down in this location after departing the ferry very late in the evening.
Thus I still give it a 7/10, but it's worth considering the Rarangi and Whites Bay DOC sites nearby, which are very close to the beach and have a much nicer vibe. Check the app for details. Chur.
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1.0/5
The road to the camping area has been blocked off with concrete blocks.
There is a small area along the river where camping is permitted, approximately 1km from the original camping area and toilet. The toilet appears to be unmaintained.
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4.5/5
But was an awesome spot when I first visited!
-STILL CLOSED AS OF 18/12/21-
Heaps of space, toilets weren't great, but the river was picturesque enough to make up for it
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3.5/5
Council has moved CSC camping further from the beach, by river diversion.
Quiet and plenty of space for parking. Not a lot of trees for shade and public toilets a bit far. Lovely sunrises. Nice walk to the beach.
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4.0/5
Large area under the pine trees to park up.
Only 25mins to Picton so great when getting off the Ferry. Long drop toilets are a short walk away. Also walking distance to the beach. Nice area not far off the main road which makes for a nice quiet spot.
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3.0/5
Road to the site is tricky when you go down to the riverside.
No facilities available. Decent view.
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4.0/5
The actual camping spot is closed due to flood damage.
They have set up a secondary one a KM ahead of the original one. Signage could be improved as it is hard to see at night, and the roads have seen better days. Always lots of availability though, even when you arrive past midnight like we did. Easy spot to Freedom Camp if you get off the ferry late at night or have to get on early in the morning.
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4.0/5
Really nice spot, lots of places to camp Full 5G service No toilet Ground isn’t the most even
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5.0/5
Got off the late ferry around midnight after having the first one cancelled on us.
This was a good spot not too far from Picton. Dark, quiet and flat. Parking is pretty random and you’ll feel like you’re not in the right place but you are. Go through the concrete barriers and then drive down the road and camp on the righthand side of the road on the water. Beautiful views in the morning. Bathroom close by as well
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3.5/5
Great spot if you come from the ferry.
Beautifully located on the riverbank. Toilets are a far walk and okay regarding cleanliness. No toiletpaper. We were only 2 vans but heaps of space.
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5.0/5
17.07.22- reserve appears to be closed with Thomas Road blocked from the cross section with Neal Road.
Whole reserve appears inaccessible at least with a vehicle. Judging from nature of barrier it doesn't look like it will be open in a hurry, despite the temporary camping site marked on the Malborough website. High marks given as to not taint the future potential of this site in the hope it recovers, a shame considering this is written at 1am post ferry crossing
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1.0/5
The road to the camping area has been blocked off with concrete blocks.
There is a small area along the river where camping is permitted, approximately 1km from the original camping area and toilet. The toilet appears to be unmaintained.
-
3.5/5
This is an updated review since the recent flooding mid 2021.
The details around this Responsible Camping location is likely to change, when the council chooses its next move, but here's where it's at in late 2021 and into early 2022.
We've stayed here for around 15 years in between hopping on and off the ferry. It's always been a location of choice due to proximity to the Ferry and the fantastic location (Fishing / Surfing / Swimming and the rest).
This new change has pulled the location away from the ocean, so it's more of a walk to where we like to be. Plus the camping area isn't nearly as nice as the places closer to the beach. But in saying that, we greatly appreciated laying our heads down in this location after departing the ferry very late in the evening.
Thus I still give it a 7/10, but it's worth considering the Rarangi and Whites Bay DOC sites nearby, which are very close to the beach and have a much nicer vibe. Check the app for details. Chur.
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4.5/5
But was an awesome spot when I first visited!
-STILL CLOSED AS OF 18/12/21-
Heaps of space, toilets weren't great, but the river was picturesque enough to make up for it
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3.5/5
Council has moved CSC camping further from the beach, by river diversion.
Quiet and plenty of space for parking. Not a lot of trees for shade and public toilets a bit far. Lovely sunrises. Nice walk to the beach.
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4.0/5
Large area under the pine trees to park up.
Only 25mins to Picton so great when getting off the Ferry. Long drop toilets are a short walk away. Also walking distance to the beach. Nice area not far off the main road which makes for a nice quiet spot.
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3.5/5
Not a bad place to stop off, a large grassy area with pine trees for shelter or more open at the end.
A little scruffy in parts and toilets poorly maintained. Close to the river and beach, views of the mountains.
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3.5/5
A very nice and quiet area at this time of year (Early March).
The district council have posted "No Camping" signage along the first half of the river so make sure you don't camp in those areas as the fine is $200.
The toilets are clean and tidy if needed.
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4.5/5
Great freedom site with lots of space, close to the beach and sheltered in the trees.
The toilets aren’t the nicest but it’s a perfect rest stop if you have just got the ferry in from Picton :)
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4.5/5
Spent two nights.
So much space for everyone. You are in the woods, so you can spread out your camp area. It's a short walk to the beach and long drop toilets with hand sanitizer. Water from the river going into the ocean was refreshing for a swim! You can see the bottom of the north island from the beach, which was cool.
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4.0/5
Really nice picturesque spot with heaps of spaces.
Great views. Long drop toilets but clean and tidy. Recommend for a stay after getting the night ferry from Wellington.
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4.0/5
This was another great wee spot close to the sea.
Ample of space and shade. You can only camp in a certain area and not beyond the signs as it is a $200 fine. However close walking distance to the toilets. Only con would be the state the toilets were in and one but obviously all good being self contained. Definitely recommend checking it out.
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5.0/5
Beautiful spot great seeing waitbaiters and fishing.
There is a guy who comes around to check so don’t ruin it but disobeying the signs. We sat up by the mouth and drove past the signs to camp after dinner. Amazing sunset and sunrise 😁
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4.0/5
Great spot but can get very windy and dusty.
You are supposed to only stay 2 nights however there is a bus there that looks like it has been parked up for months so I don't think anyone goes round to check.
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4.0/5
Came off Ferry late close to Picton.
Easy to find but access was tricky in the dark in a large RV. 4-5 gravel entrance to parking area. Easy in daylight.
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4.0/5
Pretty good spot, went in winter so it was relatively quiet.
Toilets just a few minutes walk from where you can camp, only downside is that you can't park next to the ocean.
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4.5/5
Large open area, feels like disperse camping in the woods and not a car park.
Clean pit toilets, no showers or water. It was very windy when we were there so no catch to swim or fish. Also no surf waves at the time.
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4.5/5
Very large campsite, you should always be able to find a spot.
Toilets right at the far end by the mouth of the river as well - no lights and recommend bringing your own toilet paper. No sink, has antibac gel instead. Nice river/beach. You can’t camp by the end near the toilets, $200 fine as signposted. Plenty of trees for shade. Location on map is correct turnoff but actual campsite is further down the gravel path with a vineyard on the left, follow it until you reach the camp by the river mouth. Be careful of the sand as you could get stuck if you drive through it!
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4.5/5
Fantastic spot, plenty of space all the way from the road to the beach.
The app shows the site right at the junction to the road, but follow the road to the end where everyone else is! Nice beach walks, view from your van over the river. Toilets near the beach.
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4.5/5
Its a good and large camping spot.
Its not to far from the picton ferry terminal so its the perfect spot for late/early ferries!
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5.0/5
Great destination to stay for the night.
Views in the evening as sun sets is are lovely as well as the morning. Clean and tidy. Just what you expect of a freedom camping spot. Would recommend to anyone getting the ferry early next morning as only a short drive to Picton.
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3.0/5
Road to the site is tricky when you go down to the riverside.
No facilities available. Decent view.
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1.5/5
Unfortunately, at our stay, this place was crowded with about 20 cars/campervans.
Yes, the beach and the river are really nice, but the campsite itself is just not worth it. There is a public toilet at the beach. If you don't go, you really are not missing out anything.
