Freedom Camping Blenheim

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.

Blenheim Freedom Camping Spots

1. Wairau Diversion Reserve
2. Robin Hood Bay
3. Whites Bay Camping Area
4. Riverlands Roadhouse
5. Taylor Dam Reserve
6. Rarangi Campsite
7. Pelorus Bridge Campground

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

As you can see, there are quite a few places to enjoy freedom camping in and around Blenheim, each with something different to offer in terms of views, activities, and amenities. But the easiest way of accessing these incredible sites, and keeping some creature comforts while freedom camping, is by travelling in a self contained vehicle!

Contact the expert team at Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll walk you through our full selection of self contained vehicles. We’ll listen to your specific needs, find a campervan that fits them perfectly, and get you on the road to your freedom camping adventure sooner than ever.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Campsites run by the Department of Conservation (DOC) allow you to extend your stay past the usual limit if you hold a DOC Campsite Pass. These cost as little as $95 per person, and they are super useful for frequent freedom camping or long holidays, as you can extend your stay in a campsite for up to 30 nights.