Marfells Beach Campsite

Facilities

• Maximum number of people is 195.
• The campsite has toilets and cold showers.

This campground is pack-in, pack-out. There are no rubbish or recycling facilities for compost or food waste. A container with a sealed lid is recommended for your food scraps.

The closest refuse transfer station is the Seddon Transfer Station, which is located just north of the Seddon township, at the rear of the golf course. Opening hours and other transfer stations can be found on the Marlborough District Council website.

The nearest dump stations are in Blenheim and Kaikoura.

Fees

• Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
• Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
• Infant (0 - 4 years): free

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.

• If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
• No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
• Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
• Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

The site is split into two booking zones.

• Zone 1 sites tend to be longer and narrower and while they are available for anyone to book they are particularly suited to long vehicles (up to 9 m).
• Zone 2 sites tend to be more square and long vehicles (7–9 m) may not fit.

Map of Marfells Beach Campsite zones (PDF, 672K)

Book Marfells Beach Campsite online

On SH1 40 km south of Blenheim, 13 km north of Ward, look out for the blue and yellow roadside signage indicating Marfells Beach Campsite. Follow Marfells Beach Road on the south side of Lake Grassmere for approximately 8 km to the end.

The road is mostly sealed however there is a short section of unsealed road prior to reaching the campsite.

Just before reaching the camp there is a short but steep descent to a bridge. This is passable by long vehicles but care is required.

Location

NZTM2000: E1700179, N5380002
Latitude: -41.72547831, Longitude: 174.20446054

Check-in and check-out during booking season

• Check in from 2 pm.
• Leave the campsite before 11 am – you're welcome to continue using the camp facilities for the rest of the day but must leave your site and move your vehicle.

Boat storage and trailers

• Space is limited. Respect others and keep within the marked sites.
• Boats and trailers may be parked separately – ask camp host for details.

No dogs

Dogs are not permitted to stay in the campground.

Dogs are allowed on the beach itself, as long as they are on a leash but are not permitted beyond Mussel Point. Marfells Beach to Chancet Rocks is a sensitive biodiversity area with vulnerable birds, lizards and seal habitat.

Campsite rules

• All groups must include a responsible adult 18+.
• Be mindful of other campers. Generators should not be used between 9 pm and 7:30 am.
• Be aware of the fishing regulations in this area. See Ministry of Primary Industries website.

Read the full campsite rules (PDF, 93K)

Ants

During summer months there can be a large number of ants in the campsite. We recommend coming prepared with fly spray and ensure food and rubbish is well contained.

Walking and tramping

The Marfells Beach/Camp Campbell Route starts from the campsite. Enjoy a stroll along this stunning section of Clifford Bay coastline or head out to Cape Campbell Lighthouse.

Fishing

There are good fishing opportunities from the shore and on the water. Take only what you need from the sea and obey all fisheries regulations.