DOC
DOC
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This camp has lovely scenery and is close to a surf beach at Pukatea/Whites Bay. Go walking, fishing, swimming or kayaking from here.
Pay cash on arrival at the self-registration stand at the campsite. There is a maximum of seven days per stay for this site.
From Labour Weekend to Easter the gate is closed from 9 pm to 7 am daily. Closing the gate is for campers safety.
Whites Bay Campsite is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.
Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.
Feature | Value | Value |
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Unpowered Site | Adult | $10.00 to $15.00 per night |
Unpowered Site | Child | $5.00 to $7.50 per night |
Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC MarlboroughCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim |
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Categories |
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Operating Season And Hours |
All year |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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Websites |
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Feature | Value | Info |
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Overnight Camping Site Cost |
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Overnight Camping Site CostWhat is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Low Cost Camping You can expect very basic facilities only and often a beautiful location. A nominal fee is charged. |
Overnight Stay Rules |
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Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Camping and any vehicle You are permitted to stay overnight and camp (with a tent) or in any vehicle. |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot. |
Campsite Managing Organisation |
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Campsite Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this campsite? DOC Managed This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? Paid access/participation The experience costs money to access or take part in. |
Maximum Sites Available |
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Maximum Sites AvailableHow many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in? More than 20 sites There are more than twenty camping/parking sites available to stay overnight in. 67 sites |
Water Supply |
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Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. |
Shower |
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ShowerIs there a shower at this location? Cold shower At least one cold shower is available. |
Dump Station |
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Dump StationDump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles. |
Powered Sites |
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Powered SitesDoes this establishment have powered sites? No powered sites This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. |
Dogs |
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DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? No dogs allowed The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs. |
Vehicle Access |
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Vehicle AccessCan vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. Drive slowly |
DOC Campsite Category |
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DOC Campsite CategoryWhat category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into? DOC Standard Campsite Department of Conservation Standard Campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services. Toilets (usually composting or pit variety) water supply (tap, stream, or lake) and vehicle or boat access. Wood barbeques and fireplaces, showers (cold), picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided. Standard Campsites generally can not be booked. |
WiFi Internet |
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WiFi InternetWhat type of WiFi internet access is available? No WiFi There is no WiFi access available. |
Campfire Rules |
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Campfire RulesWhat are the rules for open air fires? Fires prohibited There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted. |
Toilet |
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ToiletIs there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public. |
✓ Fantastic beach location
✓ Great facilities for a DOC site
✓ Friendly and helpful camp hosts
✓ Variety of camping options
✓ Lots of birdlife, including weka
𐄂 Cold shower only
𐄂 Can get crowded with daytrippers
Great views, walks, wildlife and activities.
Great location.
Really nice campground with great trails.
Totally gorgeous, heaps of space, clean toilets.
Beautifull but $13 each.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 28 |
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41% |
9/10 | 21 |
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30% |
8/10 | 13 |
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19% |
7/10 | 5 |
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7% |
6/10 | 2 |
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3% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5.0/5
Stayed one night only mid March, hardly anyone there, lots of birds including a couple of friendly weka.
Bring your solar shower, there's a hook you can use.
Reviewed 7 months ago
4.5/5
This place was a piece of paradise.
Our host was wonderful and he helped us sort an amazing site with a little stream at the back and weka cruising around.
The beach was very gorgeous tho the water was super chilly for the time of year and not many were braving past their knees.
The only downside was the fast influx of many daytrippers who park everywhere and can block you in if you're wanting to break camp and move on. We had to do some strategic parking to make sure we could get out. We were there at peak season and the weather was gorgeous so perhaps only a problem at those times.
Would love to go back to Whites Bay and camp for longer.
Reviewed 6 months ago and experienced in January 2024
4.5/5
A real gem of a campground!
The area for tents in front on the beach was great, only one other tent with us so it was very peaceful. Lots of campervans but they are parked on the road or in the other campsite in the bush. We loved going for a swim in the evening and having the showers and toilets so close. Cold shower only, flush toilets and a space to change clothes when you go swimming. Tap water is available but needs to be boiled. Also, lots of birds! We paid in advance online but the DOC guy is nearby if you need to book on arrival. The only "disappointment" was the glow worm cave which was absolutely impossible to find (and we searched for a long time). I don't know if we somehow managed to miss it or if it simply doesn't exist anymore?! But still, one of our favourite places to stay during our trip!
Reviewed 8 months ago
5.0/5
Great location.
Great facilities for a DOC site. Right beside the gorgeous beach and only $10 pp. Hard to beat!
Well worth the drive round the coast to get to.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Beauty campsite, good washrooms and close to lots of tramps.
Glow worm grotto is a great night activity! Make sure to close your doors around sunset though, we got invaded by a TON all at once as the sun went down. After sunset things seemed fine again.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
We were heading to Robin hood and found road was closed.
Turned into whites bay. Eftpos was a life saver as it was after dark and we were not prepared for cash. Really friendly guy. Sorted no problem. Parked up 2 berth camper bunked down. Short walk up the beach in the morning and we were off. Very pleasant quick stay
Reviewed about 2 years ago
5.0/5
Beautiful spot, reminded me of home (Gisborne) Friendly camp hosts, nice toilets.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
5.0/5
Fantastic beach and beautiful capsite with lots of different options for camping and shelter.
Very clean toilets. Brilliant walking tracks and lots of options from short walks to all day ones. Cant reccomend highly enough
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
4.0/5
Awesome camping ground, very close to the beach.
We arrived really late and managed to talk DOC into opening the gate. Lots to do swimming , cliffs , walks and glow worms. Was a little bit windy but very shelteredand hard rocky ground on the hills to put pegs into so take a hammer!
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
3.0/5
Good for what it is.
$6 a night per person, cold showers. Advised to treat water from taps. There's walking, fishing, glow worms and bike tracks. Up a winding hill about 15km north from Blenheim.
Reviewed over 9 years ago
4.5/5
This place was a piece of paradise.
Our host was wonderful and he helped us sort an amazing site with a little stream at the back and weka cruising around.
The beach was very gorgeous tho the water was super chilly for the time of year and not many were braving past their knees.
The only downside was the fast influx of many daytrippers who park everywhere and can block you in if you're wanting to break camp and move on. We had to do some strategic parking to make sure we could get out. We were there at peak season and the weather was gorgeous so perhaps only a problem at those times.
Would love to go back to Whites Bay and camp for longer.
Reviewed 6 months ago and experienced in January 2024
5.0/5
Stayed one night only mid March, hardly anyone there, lots of birds including a couple of friendly weka.
Bring your solar shower, there's a hook you can use.
Reviewed 7 months ago
4.5/5
A real gem of a campground!
The area for tents in front on the beach was great, only one other tent with us so it was very peaceful. Lots of campervans but they are parked on the road or in the other campsite in the bush. We loved going for a swim in the evening and having the showers and toilets so close. Cold shower only, flush toilets and a space to change clothes when you go swimming. Tap water is available but needs to be boiled. Also, lots of birds! We paid in advance online but the DOC guy is nearby if you need to book on arrival. The only "disappointment" was the glow worm cave which was absolutely impossible to find (and we searched for a long time). I don't know if we somehow managed to miss it or if it simply doesn't exist anymore?! But still, one of our favourite places to stay during our trip!
Reviewed 8 months ago
5.0/5
Great location.
Great facilities for a DOC site. Right beside the gorgeous beach and only $10 pp. Hard to beat!
Well worth the drive round the coast to get to.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Beauty campsite, good washrooms and close to lots of tramps.
Glow worm grotto is a great night activity! Make sure to close your doors around sunset though, we got invaded by a TON all at once as the sun went down. After sunset things seemed fine again.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
We were heading to Robin hood and found road was closed.
Turned into whites bay. Eftpos was a life saver as it was after dark and we were not prepared for cash. Really friendly guy. Sorted no problem. Parked up 2 berth camper bunked down. Short walk up the beach in the morning and we were off. Very pleasant quick stay
Reviewed about 2 years ago
5.0/5
Beautiful spot, reminded me of home (Gisborne) Friendly camp hosts, nice toilets.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
5.0/5
Fantastic beach and beautiful capsite with lots of different options for camping and shelter.
Very clean toilets. Brilliant walking tracks and lots of options from short walks to all day ones. Cant reccomend highly enough
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
4.0/5
Awesome camping ground, very close to the beach.
We arrived really late and managed to talk DOC into opening the gate. Lots to do swimming , cliffs , walks and glow worms. Was a little bit windy but very shelteredand hard rocky ground on the hills to put pegs into so take a hammer!
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.5/5
The camp is great but the price per night is 13NZD per person now.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
4.0/5
Beautifull but $13 each.
Self registration. No bins, cold showers, good toilets, no fires.
Pretty gul when we arrived on a Sat afternoon at 4pm. Pretty drive up and down and round windy road.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
4.0/5
We were the only campers here on this Winter’s evening.
Fell asleep with the sound of the ocean almost beside our camper door. Strolled up the hill for a look at the glow worms! Gorgeous! Toilet facilities were modern and relatively clean.
Reviewed about 6 years ago
4.0/5
Lovely place.
Particularly nice to experience with children as there are plenty of places to explore.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
5.0/5
Excellent camping spot - quite sheltered from the passing cyclone.
Hot showers too! Pleasant camping in the bush with minimal sandflies and a few cheeky Weka. Check out the glow worms!
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.5/5
White's bay camping is very quiet in the off-season.
There are two official camping areas that were closed off in winter but there is adequate space for camping in the loop around the historic telegraph cottage close to the beach. Apart from a couple of firm gravel patches next to the toilet block the available grassy spaces are very soft and muddy. The toilet facilities are excellent and very well maintained. Apart from the attractions of a beach and a short bush walk to the gloworms there is not a lot to do at White's Bay.
The road from Rarangi is very steep and narrow in places. Caravans and larger motorhomes could find it a challenging drive in strong winds from the south.
Reviewed about 7 years ago
5.0/5
We did many of the walks that start here.
What a great way to kick off your day!!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.5/5
We had a lot of wet weather when we were here which didn't allow us to enjoy this campsite fully.
But it has a great beach! The camping area was nicely maintained and there were some places to get out of the wind. There is a permanent camp host who can also give information about the walks and area.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
4.5/5
This DoC campsite beside beautiful Whites Bay is in a stunning location.
The facilities are simple (new flush toilets and cold showers) but is well maintained and worth the $8/head camping fee. The beach is just beautiful and looks very safe for swimming and there is a range of walks to satisfy all. Don't miss the glow work grotto. Friendly Camp Hosts ensure that everyone pays up and keep the place clean and tidy.
Reviewed almost 8 years ago
5.0/5
Fantastic site.
Stumbled across it on the way to another site and decided to stay. Facilities were so clean and better than some campsite that we paid $40 for. Lovely private beach. Great value for money, only costing $6pp.
Reviewed about 8 years ago
3.5/5
Nice area, although very windy road from the town and very busy during the day.
Was very pleasant view with nice beach. Just be careful of the grass; most of the site is grassy and quite boggy, so it seemed, we got stuck on a flat normal looking grassy site and needed fellow campers to help push us out.
Reviewed about 8 years ago
4.0/5
Great DOC site.
Quiet over public holiday weekend in winter. Loses the evening sun but great beach.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.5/5
A great little camp right at the beach.
Good facilities (cold showers though) and room to spread out. Might get crowded in mid summer as there is a surf club on site. Great views over the Marlborough vineyards on the way in and out.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
5.0/5
Spectacular location and beach.
This has to be one of the best DOC camps in the country. If the sea were just a bit warmer it would be #1.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.0/5
Trees provided nice little 'alcoves' to set your tent up, which gave more privacy.
Clean modern bathrooms. Close to bay & beautiful scenery. Friendly manager. Passes a farm where you can buy fresh farm milk, so take an empty bottle to fill up - delicious stuff! Cold showers.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.5/5
This is a wonderful place.
It's a DOC 'Standard' site, so it $6pp, unpowered without hot showers. The facilities are good, modern and clean. It's a large campsite spread out in the bush in a valley with its own beautiful Sandy beach at it mouth. It is surrounded by bush so the only sounds there are the waves and the birds. Wonderful! It would make an excellent first stop after crossing on the ferry (just be aware though that the gates are locked each night at 9:00). If driving, then don't use the Picton to Port Underwood road unless you have plenty of time and are happy on steep, narrow and rough roads. I went for a day end ended up there for 2 weeks. It's much, much better than the next closest option of Rarangi.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.5/5
Great place.
Was busy when we arrived, late and at the height of the busy season the place still felt spread out. Great beach and wicked mountain bike ride around the loop track.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
3.5/5
Really nice campground with great trails.
The toilets were very clean. I wouldn't recommend this place for more then 2 people, it is quite pricey especially when there are no hot showers.
Reviewed over 9 years ago