← Back to map

Whites Bay Campsite

No reviews yet · ~NZD 15 / night (typical night)$$$$$ · Department of Conservation

A conservation campsite with lovely scenery located 8 km north of Blenheim in the Marlborough region, close to Pukatea/Whites Bay surf beach. The site offers access to coastal activities including walking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. It is situated at coordinates NZTM2000 E1688387, N5418196 (-41.38290841, 174.05708957), accessed via State Highway 1 at Tuamarina, then Hunter Road, Pembers Road/Rarangi Road, and Port Underwood Road. (via official site)

Tents Caravans / RV Car access

Rates & prices

Prices as published on Whites Bay Campsite’s official website (NZD).

ItemPrice
Adult18+ yearsNZD 15 per night
Child5-17 yearsNZD 7.50 per night
Infant0-4 yearsfree per night
Service feePhone or in-person visitor centre bookings only; online bookings have no feeNZD 10

Key facts

At-a-glance details for Whites Bay Campsite, from its official website.

Booking & season

Booking availabilityOnline bookings open for stays up to 30 June 2027
Peak season advance bookingAdvance booking required for 1 December - 28 February period
Same-day online bookingsClose at 8 pm if availability exists
Walk-in reservationsNo spaces reserved for walk-in campers

Prices & discounts

DOC Campsite PassAccepted for payment

Location & access

GPS coordinatesNZTM2000 E1688387, N5418196 (-41.38290841, 174.05708957)
Access routeVia SH1 at Tuamarina, then Hunter Rd, Pembers Rd/Rarangi Rd, Port Underwood Rd

Rules & policies

Not allowedNo vehicles on beach; fires not permitted at any time
Gate hours during peak seasonGate locked overnight, restricting late arrivals after 8 pm and early departures before 7 am
Pest warningWasps present, especially in late summer and autumn

Facilities & details

Amenities and on-site features reported for Whites Bay Campsite.

Reservation
Tents
Caravans / RV
Toilets
Drinking wateruntreated
Showerscold
Wheelchair
Dogs

Know before you go

Practical things to prepare for a trip to Whites Bay Campsite.

Location

Where Whites Bay Campsite sits on the map and how to get there.

Loading map…

Nearby cities & towns

Towns and cities closest to Whites Bay Campsite — browse campsites near each.

What’s nearby

Shops, drinking water, fuel and attractions within reach of the site.

🏞️ Attractions

Glow WormsAttractions0 km · ~1 min walkDirections ↗
Whites beach
Whites beachBeaches & swimming0.4 km · ~5 min walkDirections ↗
Historic cable station
Historic cable stationAttractions0.4 km · ~4 min walkDirections ↗
Port Underwood LookoutAttractions2.3 km · ~4 min driveDirections ↗
Tokomaru / Mount Robertson (1,036 m)Summits & peaks8.7 km · ~21 min driveDirections ↗
Parkes WaterfallWaterfalls16.6 km · ~25 min driveDirections ↗
Strachan Peak (611 m)Summits & peaks

hill in New Zealand

19.1 km · ~20 min driveDirections ↗
Nelson Square
Nelson SquareParks & play32.3 km · ~31 min driveDirections ↗
Tirohanga Track TrailheadTrails & trailheads32.8 km · ~31 min driveDirections ↗
Shelly Beach
Shelly BeachBeaches & swimming34.6 km · ~36 min driveDirections ↗
Piripiri (970 m)Summits & peaks

mountain in New Zealand

38.8 km · ~43 min driveDirections ↗

🛒 Amenities & services

🛒 Groceries

Fuel

🍽️ Food & drink

Medical

🚰 Drinking water

🚻 Toilets & showers

🎾 Sports

🏧 ATM & bank

Weather

Current conditions and the forecast to help you plan your trip.

Best time to visit

Typical monthly temperature and rainfall at Whites Bay Campsite.

Good to know

Quick answers to common questions about Whites Bay Campsite.

How far is Whites Bay Campsite from Blenheim?

The campsite is located 8 km north of Blenheim, accessed via State Highway 1 at Tuamarina.

What activities can guests enjoy at Whites Bay?

Walking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking are available from the campsite, which is close to a surf beach at Pukatea/Whites Bay.

Are campfires allowed at Whites Bay?

No, fires are not permitted at any time.

Can vehicles be driven on the beach?

No, vehicles are not permitted on the beach.

When is the peak season and why does it matter?

Peak season runs from 1 December to 28 February, during which the gate to the campsite is locked overnight, making late arrivals after 8 pm and early departures before 7 am problematic.

Do I need to book ahead for Whites Bay Campsite?

No — it's first-come, first-served.

Can I bring an RV or caravan to Whites Bay Campsite?

Yes, caravans and RVs are welcome.

Can I pitch a tent at Whites Bay Campsite?

Yes, tent camping is allowed.

Is there drinking water at Whites Bay Campsite?

Yes, drinking water is available.

Are there toilets at Whites Bay Campsite?

Yes, toilets are available on site.

Are showers available at Whites Bay Campsite?

Yes, showers are available.

Are dogs allowed at Whites Bay Campsite?

No, dogs are not allowed.

Is Whites Bay Campsite wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it's wheelchair accessible.

Who runs Whites Bay Campsite?

Whites Bay Campsite is operated by Department of Conservation.

Documents & downloads

Price lists, brochures and info files from the official website for Whites Bay Campsite.

Reviews

Ratings, nightly prices and photos from people who’ve camped here.

Leave a review

Camped here? Share your experience to help other campers.

0/1000

No reviews yet — be the first!

Other campgrounds nearby

More places to camp close to Whites Bay Campsite.