Image: Shellie Evans | ©
Gravel driveway in grassy area with tall trees.
Pelorus Bridge Campground

Located in Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve in the Marlborough region

Camp on the banks of the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River amongst towering kahikatea, beech and rimu trees. Walk, swim, fish, kayak, relax.

Facilities and services

  • Hot showers for campers only
  • Communal, wheelchair accessible kitchen with gas stoves at Kahikatea Flat (non-powered sites) only. Bring your own chilly bin, BBQ, pots, pans, crockery and cutlery. Please note the powered sites are across the river from the kitchen block at Kahikatea Flat, please see the camp maps.
  • Wheelchair accessible shower and toilet blocks at both Kahikatea Flat and the powered sites.
  • Washing machine.
  • Public card phone onsite. Mobile phone coverage highly variable
  • There are no power points for charging phones or other devices in the camp kitchen.
  • There is no dump station at this site - the nearest dump station is at the service station in Havelock.

Office hours

  • Monday to Friday: 8.00 am - 8.30 am and 2 pm - 6 pm 
  • Saturday and Sunday: 2 pm -4 pm

Bookings are required. The computer in the office window is always available to campers who have not made a booking. Once booked, you can receive facility door codes by ringing the doorbell.

If the office is closed upon your arrival, and it is after 2 pm you may proceed directly to your campsite. Return for code and check in during open hours. Check-out is by 10 am.

Staff may be on site and able to assist at additional times subject to availability – ring the doorbell. 

Campground maps

These maps detail specific parts of the campground:

Fees

9 February to 25 December

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

26 December to 8 February

  • Adult (18+ years): $22 per night
  • Child (5 - 17 years): $11 per night
  • Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite except between 26 December to 8 February inclusive.

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. 

Pelorus Bridge (Kahikatea Flat) Campground does not have the $3 fee for Campsite Pass users booking powered sites.

Bookings

Book Pelorus Bridge Campground online.

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

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.

A minimum 3-night stay applies 24 – 31 December. A minimum site charge of 2 adults applies from 27 December to 11 January.

Address

5949 State Highway 6.

The camp office for check-in is located beside the cafe. Next to the cafe is a short, unsealed, well-formed, narrow road to Kahikatea Flat. The powered sites are on the Nelson side of the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River on Maungatapu Road off SH6, you will be directed there from the camp office.

Where it is from Nelson and Blenheim

On SH6, 54 km from Nelson and 60 km from Blenheim.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1647698, N5427996

Campsite rules

We aim to provide a traditional New Zealand camping experience. Te ensure you and other campers enjoy your stay, be considerate of others and be aware of the rules below.

  • All campers must report to the office on arrival.
  • Site allocation as per you booking and at the discretion of the camp managers.
  • No pets, (cats, dogs, birds).
  • All groups must include a responsible adult 18 years or over.
  • All caravans and campervans that require power must have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness (WOF) which will be checked on arrival. If your Electrical WOF is not current you won’t be allowed to connect to power.
  • No fires, chainsaws, generators or compressors under any circumstance.
  • Unacceptable conduct (eg, nudity, violence, excessive noise) and/or behaviour deemed to be publicly offensive will result in immediate removal of those concerned with no refund given.
  • Music players must be used with headphones or played at a level not audible to the neighbouring campsite.
  • The camp is expected to be quiet between 9:30 pm and 6:30 am.
  • Vehicles and trailers must not be left on adjoining sites. A $25 fee will be charged if trailers or vehicles need to be removed.
  • Day visitors must leave their vehicles in the car park by the café and walk to the campground.
  • In periods of heavy rainfall the campsite is prone to flooding and you may be asked to evacuate. A flood warning system is in place.

Water safety

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

Walking and tramping

Several short walks start from the campsite: Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve walking tracks