Area & getting there
Marfells Beach Campsite
DOC's published campsite reference point, not a surveyed entrance or individual pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -41.72548, 174.20446 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- Published DOC reference coordinates; not a claim of survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- Marfells Beach Campsite: published Location coordinates (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- Reserve a site before arrival; the two zones have different shapes.
- Zone 1 is better suited to longer vehicles, up to 9 m.
- Cold showers, flush toilets and untreated tap water are listed.
- No dogs or onsite rubbish disposal; leave room to take all waste away.
- Location
- Marfells Beach Road, south of Lake Grassmere
- Adult fee
- NZ$15 per adult 18+ per night, non-powered
- Vehicle choice
- Zone 1 suits longer vehicles; 7-9 m vehicles may not fit Zone 2
- Road
- Mostly sealed, with a short unsealed section and steep descent to a bridge
- Facilities
- Flush toilets, cold showers and untreated tap water
- Arrival
- Check-in from 2pm; vacate the site before 11am
Marfells Beach is a coastal camping option south of Blenheim where the booking zone matters, especially for long vehicles. Read the official listing and zone map before selecting a space.
Match your vehicle to the zone
DOC describes Zone 1 as longer and narrower, suitable for vehicles up to nine metres. Zone 2's squarer sites may not accommodate seven-to-nine-metre vehicles. Measure the full setup and allow room for doors, awnings and safe movement around it.
For a tent group arriving in several cars, check how the vehicles and camping equipment fit within the booked space. Extra open ground in a photograph is not evidence of an additional allocated pitch.
Book and plan a daylight approach
Adult non-powered camping is NZ$15 nightly and reservations are required. Save your zone and arrival instructions with the confirmation rather than relying on remembering a site number during the drive.
The road follows the southern side of Lake Grassmere. There is a short unsealed section and a steep descent to a bridge near camp. Check road notices and leave time to assess that final approach without a rushed late arrival.
Pack for basic coastal facilities
Flush toilets and cold showers are listed. The tap water is untreated and must be boiled. Bring containers for drinking and cooking water so your first evening does not begin with searching through packed gear for every essential item.
Kitchen and laundry provision have not been verified. Plan meals and clothing on that basis instead of interpreting the presence of showers as evidence of a full holiday-park service block.
Make waste and beach plans in advance
All rubbish and recycling must leave with you, including food scraps. A sealable container makes it easier to keep waste separate from food, bedding and reusable cooking equipment during the journey onward.
Dogs are not allowed. Before heading onto the coast, check the conditions and choose an outing that suits your group; a camping reservation does not assess the sea or shoreline for you. Our family camping guide can help organise shared responsibilities.
Source: Department of Conservation. Information is paraphrased under DOC's CC BY 4.0 reuse terms.
Common questions
Which zone should a long campervan book?
DOC says Zone 1's longer, narrower sites suit vehicles up to 9 m. Zone 2 is more square and may not fit vehicles between 7 and 9 m. Confirm your exact setup before booking.
Are the showers heated?
DOC lists cold showers, not hot showers. The tap water is untreated and needs boiling before use.
Can I dispose of rubbish at the campsite?
No rubbish or recycling facilities are provided, including for food scraps. Bring suitable containers and plan lawful disposal after leaving.
