Marlborough - Wine Country Meets Waterways

Located at the top of the South Island, Marlborough is famous for putting New Zealand wine on the world map. But beyond the cellar doors, it is an outdoor lover’s paradise featuring 1,500km of winding coastline in the Marlborough Sounds.

For campers, the choices are diverse. You can stay at a holiday park in Picton (convenient for the ferry), freedom camp near the vineyards in Blenheim, or take a water taxi to a remote Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite in the Queen Charlotte Sound that is accessible only by boat or foot.

Why Go Camping Here?

  • The Wine: Marlborough produces over 70% of New Zealand’s wine. Camping here means you are never far from a world-class Sauvignon Blanc.

  • The Sounds: The Marlborough Sounds are a collection of ancient sunken river valleys. The water is calm, clear, and perfect for kayaking and fishing.

  • Sunshine: Blenheim is consistently one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand—perfect weather for tent camping.

  • Green-Lipped Mussels: Visit Havelock, the "Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World," for the freshest seafood you will ever taste.

Must-Do Camping Activities

  • Walk the Queen Charlotte Track: One of NZ’s classic hikes. You can do the whole 73km multi-day walk (camping along the way) or just a day walk from Ship Cove.

  • Bike the Vineyards: Hire a bike in Renwick and cycle between the cellar doors. It’s flat, scenic, and the tasting distances are short!

  • Mail Boat Cruise: Join the official Rural Post boat from Picton as it delivers mail and groceries to remote families living in the Sounds.

  • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: A world-class museum near Blenheim featuring Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of WWI and WWII aircraft.

  • Swim with Dolphins: Take a tour from Picton to swim with Hector’s, Bottlenose, or Dusky dolphins in the sheltered calm of the Sounds.

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Campsites in Marlborough

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Smiths Farm Holiday Park

Boutique holiday park on a working beef farm in the Marlborough Sounds, 30 minutes from the Picton ferry. Freshly baked muffins on arrival, friendly farm animals, an enchanting glow worm walk, and Queen Charlotte Track access just 4km away.

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Whites Bay Campsite

Sheltered DOC campsite on a sandy bay along the Marlborough coast, set among native bush with 67 non-powered sites. Excellent glow worm viewing after dark, coastal walks, mountain biking trails, and sea fishing. One of DOC’s finest campsites in the region.

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Momorangi Bay Campground

The perfect family balance in Queen Charlotte Sound. This serviced DOC campsite features hot showers, flush toilets, and safe swimming just 20 mins from Picton. Highlights include an on-site shop and a famous glow-worm grotto walk. Powered sites available. No pets.

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