Last updated October 2026
Momorangi Bay Campground is a serviced Department of Conservation campground on the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound, at 1998 Queen Charlotte Drive, about 27 km from Blenheim in a straight line. It is a large site, with 100 powered sites, 36 tent sites and two small cabins, plus hot showers, a laundry, a communal kitchen and a jetty.
Every stay has to be booked, and from 9 February to 25 December a non-powered site costs $25 a night for an adult.
Prices rise slightly over the peak from 26 December to 8 February, when the DOC Campsite Pass can’t be used. No pets are allowed, and DOC warns that storm damage has affected Marlborough roads, so check road updates before you go.
Practical Information
- Address
- 1998 Queen Charlotte Drive, Momorangi Bay Scenic Reserve
- Distance from the city
- About 27 km from Blenheim (straight line); 13 km from Picton and 17 km from Havelock by Queen Charlotte Drive
- Sites
- 100 powered sites, 36 tent sites, 2 two-person cabins
- Off-peak fees (9 Feb to 25 Dec)
- Non-powered: adults $25, children $12.50. Powered: adults $28, children $14
- Peak fees (26 Dec to 8 Feb)
- Non-powered: adults $27, children $13.50. Powered: adults $30, children $15
- Cabins
- $60 a night all year
- Booking
- Required, online through DOC
- Facilities
- Hot showers ($1 for 5 minutes), coin laundry, communal kitchen, flush toilets, wheelchair-accessible blocks, jetty
- Dump station
- None on site; the nearest are in Picton, 13 km away
- Pets
- No pets
About Momorangi Bay Campground
The campground lies on the shore of Queen Charlotte Sound inside Momorangi Bay Scenic Reserve, on the stretch of Queen Charlotte Drive between Picton and Havelock. DOC describes the bay as sheltered, with room for swimming, fishing and launching small boats, and pitches the campground as a family spot with a jetty and a beach area.
The north-facing sites are split between the foreshore and an inland area, and both have powered and unpowered sites. DOC publishes maps of the foreshore and inland areas, and there are bookable storage sites for caravans and boats, though you can’t camp on them.
The two cabins each have a double bed with a single bed above it, plus plugs, heating and lighting, but no appliances and no bedding. A short walk from the campground leads to glow-worm habitat and links up with the Link path between Picton and Havelock.
Facilities and Services
The hot showers, for campers only, take a $1 coin for five minutes. The coin laundry costs two $2 coins a wash. The communal kitchen has a jug, toaster, microwave, electric hob, fridge and freezer, but you need to bring your own barbecue, pots, pans, crockery and cutlery. The shower and toilet blocks are wheelchair accessible.
DOC’s page says the tap water is UV treated, although its facility list still says to boil it, so boil it if you are unsure. Boats can be launched from the beach, and the nearest boat ramp is 4 km away at Ngakuta Bay. Wifi is available for a fee, and mobile coverage varies.
A few things are missing. The on-site shop no longer operates, there is no cash out on EFTPOS or card (cash swaps are only for the showers and laundry), and the nearest ATM is 25 minutes away. There is no dump station either: DOC points to the dump stations in Picton, 13 km away, and in Havelock and Blenheim.
Check-in, Rules and Rubbish
Check in at the office during office hours: 2 pm to 3 pm and 5:30 pm to 7 pm in summer, and 2 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 6 pm in winter.
If you arrive after 2 pm and the office is closed, go to your site and check in when it reopens. Check-out is by 10 am. DOC says Momorangi doesn’t suit late ferry arrivals after 8 pm or departures before 7 am, and suggests Whatamango Bay campsite near Picton instead.
The rules are those of a family campground. Quiet hours run from 9:30 pm to 6:30 am, music must go through headphones, and chainsaws, generators, compressors and stereos are banned, including running a vehicle to charge batteries.
No pets of any kind are allowed. Caravans and campervans that need power must have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness, checked on arrival.
Rubbish has to be bagged. In summer (1 December to 31 March) it goes to a gated compound open only from 9:30 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 5:30 pm, and only glass bottles are recycled on site; other recycling goes to the free stations at Havelock and Picton.
Getting There and Aussie Bay
Queen Charlotte Drive is narrow and winding, and DOC says vehicles over 3,500 kg gross that are towing more than 12.6 metres in length aren’t allowed on it. Drivers can expect speed restrictions, traffic lights, one-way sections and roadworks, so check the Marlborough District Council alerts and NZTA’s journey planner before you leave.
If you want something much smaller, DOC’s Aussie Bay Campsite is nearby, off Queen Charlotte Drive 15 km from Picton. It has six non-powered sites, non-flush toilets and untreated tap water, costs $15 a night for adults and $7.50 for children, and must also be booked. The steep driveway suits motorhomes up to 7 metres, and dogs are allowed only with a DOC permit.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Momorangi Bay Campground: campsite information, alerts and bookings. Campsite information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Aussie Bay Campsite: the small campsite near Momorangi, with its fees, dog permit rule and vehicle limits. Campsite information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Marlborough District Council: Alerts: current road notices for Queen Charlotte Drive and the rest of Marlborough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book Momorangi Bay Campground?
Yes. Bookings are required and DOC keeps no spaces for walk-ins. Book well ahead for 1 December to 28 February and public holiday weekends.
How much does a powered site cost?
$28 a night for adults and $14 for children from 9 February to 25 December, and $30 and $15 from 26 December to 8 February. Infants are free.
Can I use the DOC Campsite Pass?
Yes, except from 26 December to 8 February. Pass stays still have to be booked online before you arrive.
Are there hot showers?
Yes, for campers only. They take a $1 coin for five minutes of hot water.
Is there a dump station?
No. DOC says the nearest dump stations are in Picton, 13 km away, with others in Havelock and Blenheim.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Momorangi Bay Campground allows no pets, including dogs, cats and caged birds.
Can I arrive off a late ferry?
DOC says Momorangi isn’t suitable for arrivals after 8 pm or departures before 7 am, and recommends Whatamango Bay campsite near Picton instead.
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