Basic Camping

AccommodationCamping GroundsBasic Camping

Marlborough

The Spots Worth Knowing

Marlborough has a couple of basic camping sites that punch above their weight. Whites Bay is my pick - more of a drive to get there, but you get these tucked-away spots in the trees, real private-feeling nooks. Gets busy when Kiwis are on holiday, so time it right. One catch: no wine tour pickup from here, so factor that in if you're planning a day in the wineries.

Beach or Barrel

Rarangi Campsite is right on the beach and has a reasonably new toilet block, which is a bonus for basic camping. Wine tour operators will pick you up from here, which makes it a solid base if wine country is on the agenda. Over near Blenheim there's also a vineyard camping option worth a look if you want that wine-country-on-your-doorstep feel.

If you're heading between Marlborough and Nelson, Pelorus Bridge Campsite is worth an overnight stop or at least a long break. Riverside setting among big kahikatea trees, and if it hasn't rained recently the river runs this ridiculous aqua colour. Really good outside of the NZ holiday rush when it gets a bit full-on.

46 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 1 of 2.

South IslandMarlborough

Madsen's Camp

Queen Charlotte Sound

4.9 2 reviews

Campsites with a view. $15 pp/per night

Ngaruru Camping Ground as spotted from the sea.

South IslandMarlborough

Ngaruru Bay campsite

Queen Charlotte Sound

4.8 1 review

Boat access only

Cannibal Cove Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Cannibal Cove Campsite

Queen Charlotte Sound

4.8 1 review

Boat access only

Blumine Island Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

4.7 2 reviews

Boat / Sea kayak access only

Marfells Beach Recreation Reserve

South IslandMarlborough

Marfells Beach Campsite

Marfells Beach area

4.7 76 reviews

Beautiful campsite beside a gravel beach not far from Lake Grassmere. Enjoy the sea and sun, or walk along the beach at low tide to Cape Campbell...

South IslandMarlborough

4.6 29 reviews

* The Kenepuru road is closed, but Mistletoe Bay Eco village remains open! Accessible via water taxi or the Queen Charlotte Track. * Not your...

Kenepuru Head Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Kenepuru Head Campsite

Kenepuru Sound

4.6 11 reviews

At the head of Kenepuru Sound. A narrow winding road to get there but its worth it!

The campsite operates year-round...

Under the beech trees

South IslandMarlborough

Butchers Flat Campsite

Wakamarina Valley

4.6 7 reviews

A camping site within old gold mining history, at the end of a long winding gravel road. There are plenty of places to camp out on the grass...

South IslandMarlborough

Whites Bay Campsite

Blenheim area

4.5 74 reviews

This camp has lovely scenery and is close to a surf beach at Pukatea/Whites Bay. Go walking, fishing, swimming or kayaking from here.

Aussie Bay Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Aussie Bay Campsite

Queen Charlotte Sound

4.5 65 reviews

Easily accessible along Queen Charlotte Drive, the Aussie Bay Camping Ground offers a quieter option with less facilities compared with nearby...

South IslandMarlborough

Rarangi Campsite

Blenheim area

4.5 36 reviews

Camp next to a beach. Fish, walk, picnic, surf or walk to Monkey Bay.

South IslandMarlborough

Elaine Bay Campsite

Tennyson Inlet

4.4 29 reviews

The Elaine Bay Camping Ground is right on the waterfront at Elaine Bay Recreation Reserve. A great place for fishing from the wharf and watersports...

A cheeky view of the surf conditions

South IslandMarlborough

4.4 64 reviews

Robin Hood Bay Camping Ground is a small, basic camping site which is free of charge! The bay itself is isolated, beautiful and one of the most...

South IslandMarlborough

4.4 13 reviews

Titirangi Farm is a sheep and cattle farm situated in the outer Pelorus Sound. It has stunning views to the Chetwode and Titi Islands. Titirangi...

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Mill flat Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Mill Flat Campsite

Mount Richmond Forest Park

4.4 1 review

Pine Valley, Mount Richmond Forest Park

Tawa Bay Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Tawa Bay Campsite

Tennyson Inlet

4.4 1 review

Boat access only

Whatamango Bay

South IslandMarlborough

4.3 54 reviews

Port Underwood Rd, Queen Charlotte Sound.

Harvey Bay Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Harvey Bay Campsite

Tennyson Inlet

4.2 4 reviews

A large, flat, sheltered camping area which makes a great base for exploring the Tennyson Inlet and the nearby area by boat, foot or by mountain...

Moetapu Bay Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

4.1 7 reviews

Camping only - Not suitable for Motorhomes or Caravans

Operates seasonally, with bookings...

Picnic Bay Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Picnic Bay Campsite

Kenepuru Sound

4.1 9 reviews

This is a scenic area with walking, sea kayaking, motor boating, kayaking, fishing and bird watching opportunities.

The campsite operates year-round...

Camp Bay Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Camp Bay Campsite

Queen Charlotte Sound

4 3 reviews

Boat / walking track access only

Davies Bay Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Davies Bay Campsite

Queen Charlotte Sound

4 1 review

Boat / walking track access only

South IslandMarlborough

Bay of Many Coves Campsite

Queen Charlotte Sound

4 1 review

Bike or walking track access only.

French Pass Recreation Reserve

South IslandMarlborough

French Pass Campsite

French Pass and D'Urville Island Scenic Reserves

4 17 reviews

A campground location suited to the classic Beatles tune 'The long and winding road'. It's well worth the effort getting here though. It's edge...

Cowshed Bay Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Cowshed Bay Campsite

Pelorus Sound

3.9 25 reviews

Portage Bay Recreation Reserve, Kenepuru Sound, near the Portage Resort

The campsite is open year-round...

Onamalutu Scenic Reserve

South IslandMarlborough

Onamalutu Campsite

Northbank of the Wairau River.

3.8 22 reviews

This campsite is set in a remnant podocarp forest. The start of the Wakamarina tramping track is 8 km away.

Open all year, with bookings required...

Nikau Cove Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Nikau Cove Campsite

Kenepuru Sound

3.7 10 reviews

Turn off Queen Charlotte Drive, follow Kenepuru Rd. 3 km past Portage. Road is narrow and winding.

Bookings for the 2026/27 season...

The view from the Lucky Bay Campsite

South IslandMarlborough

Lucky Bay Campsite

D'Urville Island

1.2 1 review

Boat access only

Nydia Bay Scenic Reserve

South IslandMarlborough

Nydia Campsite

Pelorus Sound

Boat, walk or bike access only

Mill Arm Camping Ground

South IslandMarlborough

Mill Arm Campsite

D'Urville Island

Boat access only