Destinations
Marlborough Sounds camping grounds
)
If you love nothing more than dipping your toes into crystal clear waters and stretching out on golden sand to soak up the rays, then Marlborough Sounds is the destination for you. Covering 1,500km of New Zealand’s coastline, you’ll find a network of sunken valleys and sheltered inlets just waiting to be explored. Check out each of the four Sounds: Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, Pelorus and Mahau right at the top of the South Island.
Here’s your guide to the best Marlborough Sounds camping grounds. Our list includes price per night, location, facilities and nearby attractions for each campsite!
6 best camping grounds in Marlborough Sounds
1. Masden’s Camp
Queen Charlotte Track, Endeavour Inlet 7282, New Zealand | $15 per person per night
If you’re after a small, quiet Marlborough Sounds camping spot where you can lap up some incredible views, head to Masden’s Camp. Located on the edge of the Queen Charlotte Track, it offers stunning views off the inlet, with a beach just 90 metres away.
This friendly campsite is owned and operated by the Masden family, with a private beach and jetty for you to use during your stay. They offer up basic facilities, with a toilet, hand basin and solar camping showers. There’s also a gorgeous cooking shelter where you can cook up a storm while overlooking the incredible views.
Just a short drive away you can head off and explore Punga Cove, or take a trek to Kenepuru Head for some more incredible views.
2. Elaine Bay Campsite
Elaine Bay 7193, New Zealand | Adult (18+ years): $10 per night, Child (5–17 years): $5 per night, Infant (0–4 years): free
Discover a hidden gem right in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, where you can spend your days taking advantage of the serenity surrounding you. This campsite offers a great base for exploring Pelorus Sound by boat and walking or mountain biking nearby tracks.
The French pass is just a 45-minute drive down the road, so you can get out for a day’s exploration. Just be sure to wake up one morning to take in a stunning sunrise - you won’t regret it!
This Marlborough Sounds campsite comes with very minimal facilities, with just a drop toilet for use during your stay. That said, the scenic setting more than makes up for it!
Note, bookings aren’t required. They simply operate on a first come, first served basis.
3. Whites Bay Camping Area
Port Underwood Road, Waikawa 7281, New Zealand | Adult (18+ years): $10 per night, Child (5–17 years): $5 per night, Infant (0–4 years): free
Looking to get out on the ocean and enjoy a spot of surfing during your travels? Whites Bay is right next door to Pukatea/Whites Bay, which is just perfect for a little action. Spend your days hitting up the surf, walking, fishing, swimming or kayaking around the area, and getting out into nature.
Just a short walk away you can check out the glowworms, or simply head off on one of the many walking tracks to explore the area. Back at camp, you will have access to a cold shower, flush toilets and water from a tap.
Note, bookings aren’t required at this Marlborough Sounds camping ground. They simply operate on first come, first served.
4. Okiwi Bay Holiday Park
15A Renata Road, Ōkiwi Bay 7193, New Zealand | From $21 per night
If you’re wanting a holiday park that comes with all the bells and whistles, then settle back at the centrally located Okiwi Bay Holiday Park. While only a small campground with 10 powered sites and 3 unpowered sites on offer, it does have hot showers, a kitchen with a fridge, deep freezer, stoves and a laundry.
It’s the perfect place to explore some of the nearby native bush or rugged coastline. The Bay area is well-known for fishing and diving activities, with snapper, Moki, blue cod, kingfish and scallops in season. Prefer the land? Take off on bush walks and enjoy a spot of bird watching on the Goat Saddle walking track nearby.
5. Whatamango Bay Campsite
Whatamango Bay 7281, New Zealand | Adult (18+ years): $10 per night, Child (5–17 years): $5 per night, Infant (0–4 years): free
Located just 15 minutes from Picton ferry, you can camp beside the beach and soak up that fresh ocean air. Settle back and watch the ferries as they go past multiple times each day.
Situated right on the water’s edge, spend your days putting your toes in for a dip, or taking a kayak in deeper waters. Take off for a walk in the nearby bushland and enjoy stepping away from the busyness of city life and immersing yourself in nature.
The facilities at this Marlborough Sounds camping area are basic, offering flush toilets and tap water.
6. Havelock Holiday Park
Whatamango Bay 7281, New Zealand | Adult (18+ years): $10 per night, Child (5–17 years): $5 per night, Infant (0–4 years): free
Explore Pelorus Sound and the rest of Marlborough from the comfort of Havelock Holiday Park. Spend your holiday wandering through the scenic walking and biking tracks, cruising the stunning waterways, or even enjoying a wine tour through the region.
This campsite has everything you need with a children’s playground and trampoline to keep the smallest travellers busy. There’s also a Petanque Court, outdoor gym, pump track and tennis courts. The campgrounds also offer a large kitchen, BBQ area, modern bathrooms and a laundry.
Want to explore further afield? Head to Havelock Museum for a collection of pioneer stories, or view the Havelock Art Gallery and see the local talent. There’s a great Waterfall walking track through a gully of native bush, or take off on Greenshell Mussel Cruise to visit a mussel farm.
Hire a van for your Marlborough Sounds camping trip
Ready to experience a Marlborough Sounds camping trip? With so much on offer, it’s a remarkable region not to be missed. Simply sort out campervan hire in Marlborough Sounds and pull up to one of these fantastic camping spots to base yourself for your adventure! There are so many road trips in Marlborough to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice! Pack that camera, hit the road and let the adventures begin.
Why Camplify?
We are proud to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:
Comprehensive hire insurance
Nationwide AA roadside assistance
24/7 customer support
All members are verified
By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.
Sign up if you want to join our beloved community of van life lovers and receive our most recent news and offers.