Area & getting there
Pelorus Bridge Campground
Decimal reference coordinates are from DOC's South Island campsite brochure, printed page 13. The current page publishes NZTM only; this is not a pitch or entrance survey.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -41.29807, 173.56972 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- Published DOC reference coordinates; not a claim of survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- DOC South Island campsite brochure: Pelorus Bridge, printed page 13 (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- Kahikatea Flat's kitchen is across the river from the powered camping area.
- Check in at the office beside the cafe before heading to your zone.
- Holiday minimum stays and minimum site charges can change the total cost.
- Heavy rain can flood the campsite; follow evacuation instructions immediately.
- Address
- 5949 State Highway 6, Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
- Setting
- Forest beside Te Hoiere/Pelorus River
- Adult fee
- NZ$25/night 9 February-25 December; NZ$27/night 26 December-8 February
- Holiday conditions
- Three-night minimum 24-31 December; two-adult site minimum 27 December-11 January
- Facilities
- Gas-stove kitchen at Kahikatea Flat; toilets and paid hot showers in both areas
- Water
- DOC facility data lists untreated tap water: boil before use
Pelorus Bridge provides forest-and-river camping on the Nelson-Blenheim route, but its facilities are split between areas. Review the DOC maps and campsite listing before deciding that a particular combination of power and kitchen access suits your group.
Understand the two camping areas
The kitchen is at Kahikatea Flat, on the non-powered side. Powered sites are across the river. Both areas have toilet and shower blocks, but a kitchen filter match does not mean the cooking room is beside every pitch.
Check in at the office beside the cafe first. For families or anyone with limited mobility, look at the actual route between the selected camping area and the facilities they expect to use each day.
Calculate the holiday total
Adult rates are NZ$25 nightly outside 26 December-8 February, when they rise to NZ$27. A three-night minimum applies 24-31 December, and a two-adult minimum site charge applies 27 December-11 January.
Those conditions matter particularly to solo travellers or short stopovers. Compare the confirmed stay total with your itinerary, and check Campsite Pass exclusions before assuming a pass will cover the holiday period.
Bring the missing kitchen essentials
The shared kitchen has gas stoves, but you need cookware, tableware and a chilly bin. Paid hot showers cost NZ$1 for four minutes. Untreated tap water needs boiling before use.
Pack coins and a first-night meal that works with the equipment you bring. Powered caravans and campervans need a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness; confirm compliance before travel instead of assuming a paid power connection is automatic.
Keep a heavy-rain exit plan
DOC warns that flooding can require evacuation. Keep vehicle keys, medication, warm layers and essential documents accessible, and follow staff instructions and the warning system rather than waiting for water to reach your pitch.
Short reserve walks can be considered separately once conditions are checked. No pets, generators or fires are allowed. Our rain-camping guide helps with packing, but does not replace an instruction to leave an unsafe site.
Source: Department of Conservation. Information is paraphrased under DOC's CC BY 4.0 reuse terms.
Common questions
Is the shared kitchen beside the powered sites?
No. It is at Kahikatea Flat's non-powered camping area, across the river from the powered sites. Read the zone map before choosing a pitch based on kitchen access.
Is the quoted adult price the minimum site cost?
Not always. A minimum two-adult site charge applies 27 December-11 January, and a three-night minimum applies 24-31 December. Check the reservation total for your group.
What happens during heavy rain?
DOC warns that the campsite can flood and campers may be asked to evacuate. Follow the flood-warning system and staff instructions, and keep essential belongings ready to move.
