Marlborough

The Spots Worth Knowing

Marlborough has a couple of basic camping sites that punch above their weight. Whites Bay is my pick - more of a drive to get there, but you get these tucked-away spots in the trees, real private-feeling nooks. Gets busy when Kiwis are on holiday, so time it right. One catch: no wine tour pickup from here, so factor that in if you're planning a day in the wineries.

Beach or Barrel

Rarangi Campsite is right on the beach and has a reasonably new toilet block, which is a bonus for basic camping. Wine tour operators will pick you up from here, which makes it a solid base if wine country is on the agenda. Over near Blenheim there's also a vineyard camping option worth a look if you want that wine-country-on-your-doorstep feel.

If you're heading between Marlborough and Nelson, Pelorus Bridge Campsite is worth an overnight stop or at least a long break. Riverside setting among big kahikatea trees, and if it hasn't rained recently the river runs this ridiculous aqua colour. Really good outside of the NZ holiday rush when it gets a bit full-on.