Okiwi Bay is a settlement and bay on the western edge of the Marlborough Sounds, on Croisilles Harbour facing Tasman Bay. It sits roughly 100 km from Blenheim — about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive via Rai Valley — and is the access point for the privately run Okiwi Bay Holiday Park, calm-water swimming, and a busy small-boat ramp. The bay is a long-established Marlborough summer destination; it’s quieter than the inner Sounds and gets a steady mix of families, fishermen and divers.
Practical Information
| Location | Croisilles Harbour, western Marlborough Sounds |
| From Blenheim | Around 100 km — 1.5 to 2 hours via Rai Valley and Okiwi Bay Road |
| From Nelson | Around 70 km — about 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Holiday Park | Privately operated — powered & unpowered sites, lodge, cabins, hot showers, kitchen, dump point |
| Swimming | Sheltered bay; sandy section at the eastern end accessible at low tide |
| Boat Ramp | Public ramp at the bay — popular for fishing and dive launches |
| Shop | Holiday park convenience store (limited stock — stock up in Rai Valley) |
| Cost | Free to visit; holiday park fees apply for camping |
About the Bay
Okiwi Bay sits at the head of a long sheltered inlet off Croisilles Harbour. The combination of the long fetch and the surrounding hills means the water inside the bay is usually calm — good for swimming, kayaking and small-boat launches. The bay’s western shore is mostly stones and shingle, but the eastern end has a sandy section that emerges at low tide between the rocks, surrounded by native bush. That sandy patch is the local pick for a family swim.
The Okiwi Bay Holiday Park dominates the settlement and is the main reason most people visit. It runs powered and unpowered sites, a small lodge, and two cabins, with a convenience store, hot showers, full kitchen and laundry facilities. It is privately owned, not a DOC campsite — book directly through the park.
The bay is a serious fishing and diving destination, with the boat ramp busy on most summer mornings. The Marlborough Sounds outer coast and French Pass are accessible from here, so it’s a popular base for trailer boats heading further afield.
The Drive Out
From Blenheim, the drive runs via Rai Valley and then turns north onto Okiwi Bay Road. The road is sealed throughout but narrows and winds the closer you get to the bay. Plan for 1.5–2 hours one way, depending on conditions. There is no fuel beyond Rai Valley, so top up there if you’re not staying overnight.
Activities Around the Bay
Beyond swimming and the holiday park, Okiwi Bay offers fishing (from the rocks, the wharf, or by boat), scuba diving, spearfishing, short bush walks, kayaking, mountain biking, and access to the wider French Pass and outer Sounds area by boat. It is one of the few western Marlborough Sounds bays you can drive to without crossing several hours of gravel road.
Where to Learn More
Okiwi Bay Holiday Park — official website — booking, current rates, site map and facility detail for the main accommodation provider at the bay. The authoritative source if you’re staying overnight.
DOC — Okiwi Bay area — official conservation department overview of the broader Okiwi Bay area, including nearby walking and the natural setting.
The Swim Guide — Okiwi Bay swimming area — independent swim site monitoring summary covering water quality, current rating and historical readings for the bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Okiwi Bay from Blenheim?
About 100 km via Rai Valley and Okiwi Bay Road — typically 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive.
Is Okiwi Bay good for swimming?
Yes — the sheltered bay is calm and family-friendly. The best sandy section is at the eastern end, exposed at low tide.
Is the Okiwi Bay Holiday Park run by DOC?
No — it is privately operated. Book directly through the holiday park, not DOC.
Can you launch a boat at Okiwi Bay?
Yes — there is a public boat ramp, popular for fishing and diving launches.
Are there shops at Okiwi Bay?
A convenience store at the holiday park covers basics. For anything more, stop in Rai Valley on the way through.
Is there fuel at Okiwi Bay?
No — the nearest fuel is Rai Valley. Fill up before turning onto Okiwi Bay Road.
Are dogs allowed at the holiday park?
Check directly with the holiday park — policies vary by season.
For more Marlborough Sounds swimming and beach options, see the full guide to swimming in Blenheim. The closer Anakiwa is a road-accessible Sounds swim spot if 100 km is more drive than you want.
