Freedom Camping In Marlborough

Campers who want to enjoy our beautiful outdoors are well served by at least 19 commercial camping grounds plus dozens of DOC campsites around the Kaikoura-Blenheim-Picton-Sounds region.

There are also places in Marlborough where freedom campers can ‘get away from it all’.

But there are some rules in place and it’s important that both locals and overseas visitors understand where they may go with their caravans or campervans.

Because our environment is precious, we ask freedom campers to stay only at the following designated sites and for no more than two nights in any month:

• Elterwater near Lake Grassmere
  
• Blairch Reserve, Awatere Valley
  
• Collins Memorial Reserve at Koromiko
  
• Double Bay in Mahau Sound
  
• Ohingaroa Bay in Mahau Sound
  
• Ohauparauparu Bay in the Kenepuru Sound
  

*Only fully self-contained campervans – with their own toilet and greywater storage capacity – may use the three freedom camping sites in the Marlborough Sounds.

Marlborough District Council has authority to impose instant $200 fines for infringements of the freedom camping rules. More information is available on the Council website.