Camping in Marlborough
Wairau Diversion Responsible Camping Area
Update 25 February 2025
Repairs to the site continue with construction work to begin in the next 2 months.
The temporary freedom camping site will remain as the available space for freedom campers until further notice.
There is no access to the day area until the construction phase has been completed.
Where to Camp in Marlborough
All campers are asked to stay in commercial campgrounds, Department of Conservation (DOC) camps and Council responsible camping sites.
A printable brochure providing information about where to camp in Marlborough can be downloaded below:
Freedom Camping Act 2011
New freedom camping laws came into effect on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 requiring vehicles to be certified self-contained.
The Self-Contained Motor Vehicle Legislation Act 2023 includes the following key changes:
- Changes to where you can freedom camp. In general, you can only freedom camp on local authority land if your vehicle is certified self-contained. (Note that this Council’s freedom camping site at Blairich Reserve does allow for tenting by cyclists.)
- Changes around certifying self-contained vehicles. Vehicles with a portable toilet are no longer able to be certified self-contained but there is a phase in period for the new legislation.
- Changes to infringement fees and fines. The original infringement fee of $200 has been increased to $400 or more depending on the type of infringement.
The Freedom Camping Changes document found below, sets out a summary of the changes and a timeline for the reforms.
Responsible Camping Sites
The Marlborough District Council Responsible Camping Control Bylaw 2022 provides for camping by self-contained vehicles only at all sites with the exception of Blairich Reserve where tenting by cyclists using the Awatere Valley Road is allowed.
Where can you camp? | Fully self-contained vehicle | Vehicle spaces available | Number of nights | Permitted times |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Temporary responsible camping area - Wairau Diversion, near Blenheim | 2 | |||
Renwick Domain carpark, Renwick | Yes | 20 | 2 | 6.00 pm to 9.00 am |
Wynen Street Carpark, Blenheim | Yes | - | 2 | 6.00 pm to 9.00 am |
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim | Yes | 4 | 1 | Mon - Thurs only |
Taylor Dam Reserve, Blenheim | Yes | 10 | 2 | |
Blairich Reserve, Awatere Valley Road | Yes | - | 2 | |
Lake Elterwater, Grassmere | Yes | - | 2 | |
| Opouri Road (Carluke Domain) | Yes | 6 | 2 | |
| Alfred Stream (Rai Valley) | Yes | 5 | 1 | |
| Renwick Dog Park (off Foxes Island Road, SH 6) | Yes | 5 | 1 | |
| Wash Bridge Reserve, SH 63 | Yes | 2 |
Tenting for cyclists using the Awatere Valley Road is permitted at Blairich Reserve.
If you see people camping in non-permitted areas or causing problems, please contact the Marlborough District Council on phone: 03 520 7400.
Map of Designated Camping Sites
See a map of overnight camping sites in Marlborough. Information about each area can be seen by selecting an individual site within the map. Note that areas where camping is prohibited on MDC managed land can be found in the MDC Responsible Camping Bylaw 2022.
