Image: DOC
View of the French Pass campsite from the sea.
French Pass Campsite

Located in French Pass and D'Urville Island Scenic Reserves in the Marlborough region

This campsite is a great base for boating, fishing, swimming and kayaking and is the gateway to Rangitoto ki te Tonga/D’Urville Island.
Check road conditions

Recent severe weather has damaged many roads in the Marlborough Sounds. Before you travel to our facilities, check the latest road updates on the Marlborough District Council website.

Facilities

There is a boat ramp next to the campsite and a jetty nearby.

  • Flush toilets, sinks and cold showers available.
  • Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
  • Water must be boiled, treated or filtered

Fees

9 February to 25 December

  • Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $9 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

26 December to 8 February

  • Adult (18+ years): $20 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $10 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Payment

Online bookings and payments are required prior to arrival at the canp. Note there are limited spaces available. Customers arriving without bookings may be turned away.

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book. 

Bookings

Book French Pass Campsite online

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2026.

If there is no availability showing online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked. No sites are held for campers turning up on the day without a booking.

Bookings are required all year. Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.

A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available. 

Email bookings are not available for this campsite.

Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.

Te Aumiti/French Pass  is in the Marlborough Sounds.

Turn off SH 6 north of Rai Valley into Ronga Road which becomes Croisilles-French Pass Road. Follow this for 70 km to the end. The road is partially unsealed and is narrow and winding. 

Te Aumiti/French Pass  can also be accessed by boat.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1670992, N5469085
Latitude: -40.92601755, Longitude: 173.84247534

There is a risk of slips/landslides impacting the camp. This means that in periods of high rainfall the camp may be closed.

No generators permitted.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

Walking and tramping

Walk the French Pass Lookout Track and watch the tide race through the narrow gap between D'Urvillle Island and the mainland.