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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 4 hours
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Marfells Beach area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This unmarked route follows the beach from the eastern end of the camping area to Cape Campbell, the southernmost extreme of Cook Strait.
This DOC directory entry covers Marfells Beach/Cape Campbell Route in Marlborough, within Marfells Beach area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 4 hours
- DOC grade: Expert
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Allow half a day for this walk and be aware that high tides can block access around the foot of bluffs and the second half of the walk out to the lighthouse. This section should be done at low tide only. Check tide timetables before you go.
Above the high tide line, land beyond the first headland is private land.
The striking Cape Campbell lighthouse is the second, built in 1903 to replace the original built in 1870.
Getting there
The turn-off to Marfells Beach is 36 km south of Blenheim via State Highway 1. The beach is a further 8 km down Marfells Road.
Know before you go
Hot, dry conditions and strong, cold winds are both common in this area.
Check the tides before undertaking the Marfells Beach/Cape Campbell walk.
High tides can block access around the foot of bluffs.
Access is via the beach only - above the high tide line is private land.
Marlborough has a dry climate and fire is a significant hazard to human safety, natural areas and agriculture. Open fires are not permitted at any of the East Coast reserves and only portable stoves should be used for cooking.
Take your rubbish away with you - no facilities are provided.
Purity of drinking water cannot be assured unless it has been boiled, filtered or treated.
Dogs are prohibited from Marfells Beach to Chancet Rocks.
History and culture
This small coastal reserve has a long history as a public recreation area, starting in 1925 when the Marfell family exchanged land with the Crown for that purpose. The reserve has since been extended and the facility improved and is managed by DOC as a picnic and camping area.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
