Freedom Camping Blenheim - Free Camping & Campervan Parking

Written By Bastian Graf

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s Marlborough region, Blenheim is rapidly becoming a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts and intrepid explorers. Despite being overshadowed by more prominent tourist destinations, Blenheim’s appeal lies in its close proximity to lush forest, picturesque coastlines, and vineyards, all of which are excellent places for those who enjoy freedom camping to visit.

Below, you’ll find our top picks on freedom camping sites in Blenheim, each of which has something unique to offer. Whether you’re travelling with a family and looking for sites with plenty to keep everyone entertained, or you want to fully embrace nature, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

To access most of the sites detailed below, it’s best to hire a campervan. Contact Travellers Autobarn today and we’ll walk you through your options and get you on your freedom camping adventure as soon as possible.

Wairau Diversion Reserve

Spring Creek, Blenheim

Suitable for fully self contained vehicles only, you can freedom camp at Wairau Diversion Reserve for up to two nights in any calendar month. Amenities here are pretty basic and are limited to long drop toilets, so you’ll need to be confident in self-sufficiency to stay here.

This is a wonderful spot for anyone looking to spend an afternoon fishing, and its lakeside location also makes it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and even surfing if there’s an easterly swell. You aren’t allowed to set fires here, but the clear night skies are perfect for laying back and stargazing.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Long Drop Toilets

Robin Hood Bay

Port Underwood Road, Blenheim

Located 8km North of Blenheim, Robin Hood Bay is another waterside freedom camping site with plenty to offer, including opportunities for fishing, surfing, kayaking, and canoeing. This is also one of the best sites to spot Hector’s dolphins, making it perfect for nature lovers.

Here, you’ll find plenty of spaces for self contained vehicles as well as ten designated non powered sites and spaces for tents. However, as with all freedom camping sites, you’ll need to get here in good time to find a space, as the site operates with a first-come-first served basis.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Non-Flush Toilets
Non-Drinking Water

Whites Bay Camping Area

Waikawa, Blenheim

This is one of the most popular freedom camping sites with families, and it offers some great amenities, including cold showers, flush toilets, and wheelchair access. All types of camping is welcome here, too, and there is plenty of space for campervans, camper trailers, and tents.

Set close to Pukatea Surf Beach, there are ample opportunities here for fishing and water sports. There are also some beautiful walking trails, including a path that leads to a glow worm grotto that is particularly stunning at night.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Cold Showers
Flush Toilets
Wheelchair Accessible
Non-Drinking Water

Riverlands Roadhouse

Riverlands, Roadhouse

More of a truck stop than a campsite, Riverlands Roadhouse has space for two self contained vehicles to camp overnight. Don’t let this put you off, though, as there are some fantastic facilities here that other freedom camping sites don’t offer.

These include hot showers, laundry facilities, and an onsite cafe. So, even if you don’t want to spend the night here, it’s a great spot to pull up and take the chance to feel a little more human. It’s also conveniently located, and it is accessible straight from the 3535 State Highway.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Hot Showers
Laundry Facilities
Onsite Cafe

Taylor Dam Reserve

Taylor Pass Road, Blenheim

You can stay at Taylor Dam Reserve for up to two nights, and there is space for ten self contained vehicles to pull up, making it a good option if you can’t find space elsewhere. Of course, you should still make sure you get here early as there isn’t a booking system, and spaces are offered on a first-come-first-served.

This is a great freedom camping spot for anyone who wants to explore the surroundings on foot, as there are lots of walking trails. There are also mountain biking tracks, and you’re in very close proximity to the beautiful Wither Hills.

There aren’t any amenities here, so you’ll need to be confident with self sufficient freedom camping. But, for the chance to be surrounded by nature and beautiful views, it’s certainly a site you should consider visiting.

FEATURED AMENITIES

No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Rarangi Campsite

Rarangi Beach Road, Blenheim

One of the largest freedom camping sites near Blenheim, Rarangi Campsite has spaces for campervans, camper trailers, 4WDs, and RVs and is easily accessible via Rarangi Beach Road. There are also 55 non powered sites available here and, unlike most sites, there is a booking system in place, making it easy to guarantee a space.

In terms of amenities, you’ll find cold showers, flush toilets, and non-drinking water here. There is also plenty to do in the surrounding area, including opportunities for walking, fishing, water sports, and mountain biking. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax and bathe in the sounds of nature.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Cold Showers
Flush Toilets
Non-Drinking Water

Pelorus Bridge Campground

Rai Valley, Blenheim

Set amongst native forest, Pelorus Bridge Campground offers an excellent place to freedom camp if you really want to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. There are 14 powered sites and 40 non powered sites to choose from, and there is a booking system in place, taking the stress out of guaranteeing a space.

Pelorus Bridge Campground isn’t only one of the most beautiful camping spots near Blenheim, it also has some of the best facilities. These include hot showers, drinking water, non-flush toilets, electric stoves, cooking shelters, and a phone.

Set along the banks of the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River, you’ll have the chance to fish, kayak, canoe, or simply relax by the water. There are also plenty of walking trails that lead you through a forest of beech, rimu, and kahikatea trees.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Electric Stoves
Phone
Cooking Shelters
Hot Showers
Non-Flush Toilets
Drinking Water

Explore other popular freedom camping sites on the South Island

Check out some of our other freedom camping sites on the South Island. Looking for somewhere specific? Check out freedom camping spots for some of our favourite spots on the South Island below:

Check out Freedom Camping Sites in Lumsden
Check out Freedom Camping Sites in Arrowtown
Check out Freedom Camping Sites in Hanmer Springs
Check out Freedom Camping Sites in Greymouth
Check out Freedom Camping Sites in Akaroa

Looking to explore both the North & South Island? Check out the best sites for freedom camping across New Zealand.

Find the South Island’s best campervan hire rates with Travellers Autobarn Christchurch

Travelling around New Zealand should be easy and affordable. That’s why we offer cheap campervan hire in Christchurch, giving you the freedom to hit the road without stretching your budget. Start your journey today with a reliable and comfortable campervan.

A Note on Freedom Camping in New Zealand

We know you’re eager to head out and explore Blenheim, but before you do, there are some important things you need to know about freedom camping in New Zealand:

The majority of freedom camping sites in Blenheim, and throughout New Zealand, are only suitable for self contained vehicles. Hiring these can be 10%-40% more expensive than hiring a non self contained vehicle, so you’ll need to think about your overall travel budget.
There are very limited amenities at most freedom camping sites, so you’ll need to be confident with self sufficient camping. Nights can get really cold, too, and even in summer, temperatures can fall as low as 0°C.
Freedom camping sites rarely have booking systems in place, which means that spots are given on a first-come-first-served basis. This can add a little stress to a trip, and it’s definitely worth having a backup plan or two in place.
DOC (Department of Conservation) campgrounds are one of the most affordable ways to explore New Zealand, with over 150 sites nationwide. Some require pre-booking while others are first-come, first-served. With a DOC Campsite Pass, travellers get year-round access to most conservation campsites – a great option for travellers wanting to see more of New Zealand for less.

FAQs about free camping in Blenheim

You’ll find designated freedom camping areas throughout Blenheim, and some are located just outside the town. Popular spots include Wairau Diversion Reserve, Riverlands Roadhouse, Taylor Dam Reserve, and Rarangi Campsite, but there are plenty of other great spots to choose from. Just make sure you double-check the local council’s zone maps and on-site signage once you arrive to make sure you’re freedom camping in a legal space.

Yes, you do. Marlborough District Council, just like all other councils across New Zealand, requires that vehicles used for freedom camping are certified self-contained. This means your campervan must have a built-in toilet, greywater and freshwater tanks, and a clearly displayed blue self-containment sticker. If your campervan doesn’t have these, it is not considered self-contained and you’ll need to camp in a holiday park or DOC campsite.

Most designated freedom camping spots in Blenheim allow you to camp for a maximum of two nights in any calendar month. However, some may have slightly longer or shorter time limits, so make sure you pay attention to the signage displayed when you arrive, especially if you want to avoid getting into trouble and potentially receiving a hefty fine! If you’re camping in a DOC campsite, you can usually stay a little longer, especially if you hold a DOC Campsite Pass, which allows you to extend your stay for up to 30 nights for as little as $95 per person.

Booking isn’t necessary when you’re staying at freedom camping spots, and all spaces are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. This takes the stress out of planning, but you do need to keep in mind that designated freedom camping areas can fill up quickly, especially at busier times of the year, so it’s best to show up as early as you can to grab a space. Likewise, have a couple of alternatives in mind, should you arrive and find your chosen site is already full.

Yes, under the Freedom Camping Act, camping in prohibited areas or in a non-self-contained vehicle can result in an instant fine of $200. It’s not worth risking it, either, as Marlborough Rangers regularly patrol areas near rivers and tourist hotspots. So, to stay safe and avoid emptying your pockets, make sure you only ever freedom camp in a permitted zone in the right kind of vehicle, and that you have your blue self-containment sticker clearly displayed.

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About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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