Whites Bay Campsite
We came for the campsite. We got a whole adventure.
Bookings are required. Child rate is NZ$7.50 for ages 5 to 17. Under 5s are free.
This campsite just kept giving us reasons to stay outside.
Whites Bay quickly became one of our favourite campgrounds we have stayed at in New Zealand.
The beautiful beach would have been enough on its own. We had soft sand, clear water and a bay that was fantastic for swimming during our visit.
Then we discovered how much more was hiding around the campsite. Camping areas were tucked around mature trees, which gave our part of the campground a much more private feel than a big open camping field.
Tracks disappeared straight into the forest. A weka arrived with three tiny black chicks. We explored the rocks at both ends of the beach, found crabs and snails, climbed above the bay, saw glowworms after dark and finished the night staring at the stars.
Is Whites Bay New Zealand's best campground?
That was the question we were asking by the time we had settled into camp.
The video has the full family experience, including the beach, wildlife, our evening hike and the moment our nice little walk turned into a pitch-black return through the forest.
Camp by the beach, then start exploring.
Practical information below was rechecked against current DOC information on 7 September 2026.
Blenheim area, Marlborough.
Current DOC rate for ages 18+.
Ages 5 to 17. Ages 0 to 4 are free.
DOC does not hold spaces for campers arriving without a booking.
DOC currently allows the Campsite Pass here.
Walking, swimming, fishing and kayaking.
Fires are prohibited at all times.
DOC currently warns visitors to check Marlborough road conditions before travelling.
From above, you can see why this campground feels different.
The campsites sit between the bush-covered hills and the beach rather than feeling like one giant open field.
It felt like our own little piece of the campground.
One of our favourite things about Whites Bay was the way many camping spots were arranged around the trees.
The mature trees and bush helped break the campground into smaller areas. We still had neighbours, but our spot felt much more private and relaxed.
This would have been enough to make us want to come back.
Soft sand, beautiful water and somewhere we could walk out of camp and go swimming.
The water was calling.
We had a fantastic swim here.
The middle was for swimming. The edges were for poking around.
We took a slow walk along the beach and explored the rocks at both ends of the sand.
We found crabs, snails and plenty of reasons to keep looking.
Then a weka brought three tiny black chicks to check us out.
Apparently we were not the only ones interested in our campsite.
A weka wandered through with three little chicks following behind.
The best part was that we never had to leave camp to have a full day.
We could make dinner, head to the beach, wander into the forest or start another little adventure without getting back into the car.
Then the tracks disappeared into the forest.
We loved that Whites Bay was not just a beach campground.
The short Pukatea Walk follows Pukatea Stream through regenerating forest toward the historic cable station.
Black Jack Track climbs much higher above the bay to a viewpoint over Te Whanganui/Port Underwood, Cook Strait and Cape Campbell.
+ 200 m gain
These are approximate figures from our own recorded walk, not official DOC Black Jack Track statistics.
Black Jack Track is different from when we visited.
As rechecked on 7 September 2026, DOC says the bridge at the start of the track has been removed. The creek must be crossed with care because waterflow changes, and several slips remain. DOC currently says the slips are passable with care.
People were connecting New Zealand from this little bay long before we arrived with a tent.
The story behind the name
DOC says Whites Bay was named after an American known as Black Jack White, who deserted his whaling ship in 1828 and took up residence with local Māori.
The islands were connected
Whites Bay became the South Island terminus of the inter-island telegraph cable in 1866.
The cable station survives
DOC says the original Whites Bay Cable Station still exists beside the Pukatea Walk.
We probably should have started the hike a little earlier.
Somewhere along the way, evening quietly became night.
Then the forest started glowing.
Only a few minutes from our campsite, we found glowworms scattered through the darkness beside the track.
We could see the Milky Way above the campground.
Once everything went dark and quiet, the sky became one of the things we remembered most from Whites Bay.
We finished the night lying back and looking at stars. After everything we had already done that day, it felt like a pretty ridiculous way for a campground to finish showing off.
It never felt like we were only there to camp.
The beach was genuinely useful
We actually spent time swimming, walking and exploring.
The campsite felt tucked away
The trees gave our campsite a much more private feeling.
It got better after dark
Glowworms and an incredible sky made the evening just as memorable.
Book first. Check the road. Then give yourself time to actually enjoy the place.
We would not treat Whites Bay as somewhere to arrive late, sleep and immediately leave.
A few things worth checking before you point the car toward the bay.
Campsite rules and road conditions can change, so DOC and Marlborough District Council should be your final checks before travelling.
DOC says bookings are required and no spaces are held aside for campers arriving without one.
DOC recommends booking well in advance from 1 December to 28 February and for public holiday weekends.
Severe weather has damaged roads in Marlborough. Check current council alerts before travelling.
DOC says the campsite gate is locked overnight during the peak period from Labour Weekend to Easter.
DOC says the campsite is not suitable in the peak period for arrivals after 8 pm or departures before 7 am.
Vehicles are not permitted on the beach.
Fires are not permitted at any time.
The start bridge has been removed and DOC says several slips remain.
DOC warns that wasps can be a problem, especially in late summer and autumn.
Whites Bay Campsite FAQ
Where is Whites Bay Campsite?
How much does Whites Bay Campsite cost?
Do I need to book Whites Bay Campsite?
Can I use a DOC Campsite Pass at Whites Bay?
Can you swim at Whites Bay?
Are there walks from Whites Bay Campsite?
What is the current condition of Black Jack Track?
Are there glowworms at Whites Bay?
Can I arrive late after the Picton ferry?
Are fires allowed at Whites Bay Campsite?
The campsite fees, booking requirements, gate rules, beach restrictions, fire rules, walking-track information and Black Jack Track conditions were checked against current DOC information. Road conditions should be checked with Marlborough District Council. Our comments about swimming, camping, wildlife, glowworms, stars and our recorded walk come from our own visit.
Some campgrounds are somewhere to sleep. This one became the adventure.
Whites Bay gave us far more than we expected from one night beside the beach.
We will definitely be coming back.