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Blumine Island/Oruawairua Campsite...

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Blumine Island/Oruawairua Campsite

Queen Charlotte Sound

4.7 2 reviews

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Blumine Island Camping Ground

J. Stephens

Blumine Island Camping Ground

J. Stephens

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Information

Blumine Island/Oruawairua Campsite

North-facing seafront site on a picturesque, pest free island. Walk the track to the historic WWII gun emplacements, experience the all day 'dawn chorus' and enjoy the stunning views.

Boat or kayak to this stunning predator free island that also houses historic World War 2 gun emplacements. You'll be amazed by the birdsong. Take a walk along to the historic gun emplacements for a slice of history and more stunning views.

Please thoroughly check your boat or kayak for stowaway predators before you depart. Check the DOC website for information about camping on pest-free islands.

Notices

  • Deer control at Tuawairua/Blumine Island

    From 10 May until mid-June 2026 a deer control operation is scheduled for Oruawairua/Blumine Island using thermal imaging technology to aerially shoot from a helicopter.

    If you are visiting this island be aware there could be noise from a helicopter and rifle shots. Warning signs will be erected at normal access points.

    Safety protocols exist for target identification so there is no danger to you being on this island while the operation is undertaken, although off track travel is not advised.

    First published on 5 May 2026.

Accommodation

DOC Campsite Pricing

Blumine Island/Ōruawairua campsite is categorised as a DOC Backcountry Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for each campsite but is usually very cheap. Visit the website for exact pricing.

DOC Backcountry Campsite

Backcountry campsites have toilets and a water supply which may be from a stream. Picnic tables, cooking shelters or fireplaces may be provided.

Feature Value Value
Unpowered Site Adult Varies per night
Unpowered Site Child Varies per night
Unpowered Site Infant Varies per night

Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

DOC Marlborough

Central government organisation

Location

South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds

Categories
  • Activity__basic_facility_campingBasic Camping

Operating Season And Hours

Bookings are required all year round.

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-41.1697383795934

174.233465194702

Latitude
-41.1697383795934
Longitude
174.233465194702

Websites
Feature Value Info

Overnight Camping Site Cost

  • Low Cost Camping Low Cost Camping

Overnight Camping Site Cost

What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight?

Low Cost Camping

Low Cost Camping

You can expect very basic facilities only and often a beautiful location. A nominal fee is charged.

Overnight Stay Rules

  • Camping only Camping only

Overnight Stay Rules

What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite?

Camping only

Camping only

You are permitted to camp only in a tent. Staying in vehicles is not possible.

Campsite Managing Organisation

  • DOC Managed DOC Managed

Campsite Managing Organisation

What type of organisation operates this campsite?

DOC Managed

DOC Managed

This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.

Original

Maximum Sites Available

  • 6 to 10 sites

Maximum Sites Available

How many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in?

6 to 10 sites

There are between six and ten sites available to stay overnight in.

Water Supply

  • Water supply available

Water Supply

Is there fresh water available?

Water supply available

A supply of fresh water is available.

Booking Required

  • First Come, First Served

Booking Required

Is 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.

Dogs

  • No dogs allowed No dogs allowed

Dogs

Does this establishment allow dogs?

No dogs allowed

No dogs allowed

The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs.

Please do not take pets or pests such as rats, mice and ants in your gear.

Vehicle Access

  • No vehicle access

Vehicle Access

Can vehicles drive in?

No vehicle access

This location is not accessible in a vehicle.

Boat or kayak access only

DOC Campsite Category

  • DOC Backcountry Campsite

DOC Campsite Category

What category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into?

DOC Backcountry Campsite

Department of Conservation Backcountry Campsites have toilets and a water supply which may be from a stream. They may have picnic tables, cooking shelters or fire places. Backcountry Campsites generally can not be booked.

Toilet

  • Public toilet

Toilet

Is there a toilet available?

Public toilet

There are toilet facilities available to the general public.

Long drop toilet only

Reviews

  • We thoroughly recommend the walk from the camping area to the gun emplacements.

    These were built at the start of WWII to prevent enemy navies using the outer Sounds as a base for attacks on Wellington and the size of the fortifications and their remote location (in 1939) make their construction amazing. The track has a short steep-ish section at both ends but most of it is level with great views up and down Queen Charlotte Sound. From the camping area to the first gun emplacement is about 40 minutes easy walking.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2017

    Rob & Colleen Elwood's avatar

    Rob & Colleen Elwood

  • Beware the wekas!

    Amazing bird life. Isolated.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2013

    Galen Licht's avatar

    Galen Licht