Last updated October 2026
Onamalutu Campsite is a Department of Conservation campsite in remnant podocarp forest in Mount Richmond Forest Park, about 22 km from Blenheim in a straight line, reached from Northbank Road in the Wairau Valley. It is a Standard DOC campsite with 50 non-powered or tent sites and four powered sites, flush toilets and tap water.
Bookings are required, and a non-powered site costs $10 a night for an adult. Campervans, cars and caravans can all get in, but dogs aren’t allowed and fires are banned at all times. DOC warns that severe weather has damaged many Marlborough roads, so check the latest road updates before you set off.
Practical Information
- Location
- Onamalutu Road, Mount Richmond Forest Park, Marlborough
- Distance from the city
- About 22 km from Blenheim (straight line)
- Sites
- 50 non-powered or tent sites, 4 powered sites
- Non-powered fees
- Adults $10, children (5 to 17) $5, infants free, per night
- Powered fees
- Adults $15, children (5 to 17) $7.50, infants free, per night
- Booking
- Required, online through DOC; DOC Campsite Pass accepted
- Toilets
- Flush toilets
- Water
- Tap water, not treated: boil before use
- Vehicles
- Campervans, cars and caravans
- Dogs
- No dogs
About Onamalutu Campsite
The campsite sits in what DOC calls remnant podocarp forest, inside Onamalutu Scenic Reserve on the Marlborough side of Mount Richmond Forest Park. You reach it by Onamalutu Road, which turns off Northbank Road west of Blenheim.
As a Standard campsite it keeps things simple. DOC’s facility list is short: flush toilets and tap water. The water isn’t treated, so boil it before you drink it or cook with it.
With 50 non-powered or tent sites there is room for tents as well as vehicles, and the four powered sites suit campervans and caravans that need a hook-up. DOC lists access for campervans, cars and caravans.
DOC’s camp rules here are brief and firm. Fires are not allowed at any time, and dogs are not allowed at the campsite. DOC also asks campers to watch out for wasps, especially in late summer and autumn.
Booking and Fees
You need a booking before you arrive. Book through DOC’s online system; if no sites show online for your dates the campsite is full. No spaces are held for people who turn up without a booking. Same-day bookings can be made online until 8 pm if any sites are left.
Fees are per person per night. A non-powered site is $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 5 to 17, and a powered site is $15 and $7.50. Infants up to 4 stay free.
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used here, but a Pass stay still has to be booked online before you take a site; if you don’t, any campground staff on site may book it for you with a $10 service charge. Phone bookings and bookings made in person at a visitor centre also carry a $10 fee.
Getting There
DOC’s directions start on State Highway 6 west of Blenheim. Turn into Northbank Road and follow it for about 6 km, then turn right into Onamalutu Road and follow that for 7 km to the campsite.
DOC’s alert for this campsite says severe weather has damaged many roads in Marlborough and Kaikoura. Before you go, check the Marlborough District Council alerts page for closures and roadworks, and check the campsite page for any new DOC alerts.
Hosting and Walking Nearby
From October to April each year DOC looks for volunteer hosts at Onamalutu Scenic Reserve, with a minimum stay of one to two weeks. If you would like to help run the campsite, contact DOC’s Whakatū/Nelson visitor services, which look after information for the area.
For walkers, the Wakamarina Track starts 8 km from the campsite, according to DOC. Check the track’s own DOC page for its current status and conditions before you head out, and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Onamalutu Campsite: campsite information, alerts and bookings. Campsite information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Marlborough District Council: Alerts: current road closures and notices across Marlborough, which DOC asks campers to check before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book Onamalutu Campsite?
Yes. Bookings are required and DOC keeps no spaces for campers who arrive without one. Same-day online bookings are possible until 8 pm if sites are free.
How much does it cost?
Non-powered sites are $10 a night for adults and $5 for children aged 5 to 17. Powered sites are $15 and $7.50. Infants stay free.
Are there powered sites?
Yes, four. The other 50 sites are non-powered or tent sites.
Can I bring my dog?
No. DOC does not allow dogs at Onamalutu Campsite.
Is the water drinkable?
The tap water is not treated, so DOC says to boil it before use.
Can I take a caravan?
Yes. DOC lists the campsite as suitable for campervans, cars and caravans.
How do I get there from Blenheim?
Take State Highway 6 west of Blenheim, turn into Northbank Road for about 6 km, then turn right into Onamalutu Road for 7 km. Check road alerts first, as storms have damaged many Marlborough roads.
Can I light a campfire?
No. Fires are not allowed at the campsite at any time.
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