Wairau Diversion Reserve
Overnight Campervan Parking
56 Rankers Reviews
0 Face-to-Face
Online Maps
Camping NZ NEW
Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.
Get the best out of it. Here's how…
Photos
Information
Overnight Freedom Camping on the coast at Wairau Diversion Reserve. Great fishing and white-baiting spot. Good surfing too when there's an easterly swell. Self contained vehicles only and maximum stay of 2 nights in any four week period.
NOTE - Marlborough generally gets particularly parched over summer, so please - NO FIRES
The Wairau Diversion area is located on the northern side of the lower reach of the Diversion. It is
accessed from the intersection of Thomas Road and Neal Road.
The area of the Wairau Diversion at the eastern end of the site is a restricted area for responsible camping. The Wairau Diversion Reserve Restricted Area is part of the reserve from the eastern boundary of the prohibited area adjacent to the Hinepango Wetland stretching in an easterly direction to the Wairau Diversion day use area. The area permitting responsible camping has a fence on its eastern boundary between the day use and the camping area.
No person may responsible camp except in the area shown and must be in a certified self-contained
vehicle.
There is clear signage into the area directing campers to the area allocated for camping.
Vehicle numbers are limited to 75 vehicles.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Location |
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim |
|
|
Categories |
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 56.
Get the best out of it. Here's how…
Felix
Ranking: 8/10
Really nice picturesque spot with heaps of spaces. Great views. Long drop toilets but clean and tidy. Recommend for a stay after getting the night ferry from Wellington.
Shalamar
Ranking: 8/10
This was another great wee spot close to the sea. Ample of space and shade. You can only camp in a certain area and not beyond the signs as it is a $200 fine. However close walking distance to the toilets. Only con would be the state the toilets were in and one but obviously all good being self contained. Definitely recommend checking it out.
Tammy & Nigel
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful spot great seeing waitbaiters and fishing. There is a guy who comes around to check so don’t ruin it but disobeying the signs. We sat up by the mouth and drove past the signs to camp after dinner. Amazing sunset and sunrise 😁
Kevin and Dorothy
Ranking: 8/10
Great spot but can get very windy and dusty.
You are supposed to only stay 2 nights however there is a bus there that looks like it has been parked up for months so I don't think anyone goes round to check.
Avoid Camping Fines!
Each camping location is approved by a regional council in NZ. So if it shows on the map, you’re allowed to stay.
The Rankers Camping NZ app, is also in association with…
Shar-ron & Jim
Ranking: 8/10
Came off Ferry late close to Picton. Easy to find but access was tricky in the dark in a large RV. 4-5 gravel entrance to parking area. Easy in daylight.
Shans
Ranking: 8/10
Pretty good spot, went in winter so it was relatively quiet. Toilets just a few minutes walk from where you can camp, only downside is that you can't park next to the ocean.
Gini
Ranking: 8/10
Ist zur Zeit offen. Viel Platz und normale Toiletten.
Cody
Ranking: 9/10
Large open area, feels like disperse camping in the woods and not a car park. Clean pit toilets, no showers or water. It was very windy when we were there so no catch to swim or fish. Also no surf waves at the time.
Camping NZ App
Every camping site on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
Jack Moxon
Ranking: 9/10
Very large campsite, you should always be able to find a spot. Toilets right at the far end by the mouth of the river as well - no lights and recommend bringing your own toilet paper. No sink, has antibac gel instead. Nice river/beach. You can’t camp by the end near the toilets, $200 fine as signposted. Plenty of trees for shade. Location on map is correct turnoff but actual campsite is further down the gravel path with a vineyard on the left, follow it until you reach the camp by the river mouth. Be careful of the sand as you could get stuck if you drive through it!
Richard & Chris, UK
Ranking: 9/10
Fantastic spot, plenty of space all the way from the road to the beach. The app shows the site right at the junction to the road, but follow the road to the end where everyone else is! Nice beach walks, view from your van over the river. Toilets near the beach.
Salkinnoma
Ranking: 9/10
Its a good and large camping spot. Its not to far from the picton ferry terminal so its the perfect spot for late/early ferries!
Mark
Ranking: 10/10
Great place. Heaps of room. Can get a bit dusty. 15 minutes to Picton. Mobile coverage
A smith
Ranking: 10/10
Great destination to stay for the night. Views in the evening as sun sets is are lovely as well as the morning. Clean and tidy. Just what you expect of a freedom camping spot. Would recommend to anyone getting the ferry early next morning as only a short drive to Picton.
