Rainbow Road provides access to the campsite. This is a toll road with access restrictions – see Rainbow Station for details.
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
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.
Fees
Free to camp. Road access fees apply.
Access from the Wairau-Hanmer Springs Hydro Road (Rainbow Road) between St Arnaud and Hanmer Springs. This is a gravel road with stream fords, accessible by high-clearance 4WD vehicles, mountain bike or foot.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1593706, N5343329
Latitude: -42.06192817, Longitude: 172.92224786
Coldwater Campsite is a different location to Coldwater Hut.
Nelson Lakes National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 521 1806 |
| Email: | nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | View Road St Arnaud 7072 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |
Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |