Last updated October 2026
Whatamango Bay Campsite is a Department of Conservation campsite beside the beach at Whatamango Bay, 10 km east of Picton along Port Underwood Road and about 29 km from Blenheim in a straight line. DOC rates it a Standard campsite, with 50 non-powered or tent sites and flush toilets, and it costs $15 a night for an adult.
DOC recommends it for catching early or late Picton ferries, as the terminal is about 15 minutes away. You must book before you arrive, there are no rubbish facilities, and part of the riverbank has eroded, so keep clear of any taped-off areas. Dogs are not allowed, and DOC asks everyone to check Marlborough road updates before they travel.
Practical Information
- Location
- Port Underwood Road, Whatamango Bay, 10 km east of Picton
- Distance from the city
- About 29 km from Blenheim (straight line)
- Sites
- 50 non-powered or tent sites, allocated or chosen on arrival
- 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
- From a stream: boil, treat or filter before use
- Rubbish
- No rubbish facilities: take it all with you
- Vehicles
- Campervans, cars and caravans; sealed, narrow, winding road
- Dogs
- No dogs
About Whatamango Bay Campsite
Whatamango Bay is on the coast east of Picton, past Waikawa, and the campsite sits beside the beach. DOC’s own summary is short: camp beside the beach, fish, explore and enjoy the peace. Fishing, boating and walking are the activities it lists for the site.
It is a Standard campsite, so the facilities are basic. DOC lists flush toilets and water, but the water comes from a stream, so boil, treat or filter it before you drink it. There are no rubbish bins at all. There are no powered sites, and DOC doesn’t list showers or a kitchen.
Your booking is for a site rather than a particular pitch: DOC allocates one, or you choose it, when you arrive. The 50 sites are for tents or vehicles, and DOC lists the campsite as suitable for campervans, cars and caravans.
On DOC’s Momorangi Bay page, Whatamango is described as having wide open spaces and being easier to get in and out of.
Handy for the Picton Ferry
DOC’s description of Whatamango Bay leads with the ferry. It places the campsite about 15 minutes from the Picton ferry terminal and recommends it for late arrivals and early departures.
DOC’s Momorangi Bay page says the same thing from the other direction: Momorangi doesn’t suit ferry arrivals after 8 pm or departures before 7 am, and Whatamango is the campsite DOC suggests instead.
Because bookings are required and DOC keeps no spaces for walk-ins, book before you sail. Same-day online bookings are open until 8 pm if sites are left, which matters if your ferry gets in late in the evening. Phone and visitor centre bookings carry a $10 service fee.
Getting There and Camp Rules
From Picton, head east past Waikawa on Port Underwood Road for 10 km. DOC describes the road to the camp entrance as sealed but narrow and winding. Storms have damaged many roads in Marlborough and Kaikoura, so check the Marlborough District Council alerts page before you go.
Every group needs a responsible adult aged 18 or over. Quiet hours run from 9:30 pm to 6:30 am, and music has to go through headphones or stay quiet enough that neighbouring sites can’t hear it.
Chainsaws, generators and compressors are banned, fires are not allowed at any time, and dogs are not allowed. Part of the riverbank has eroded, and DOC asks campers not to pitch close to any area that has been taped off.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Whatamango Bay 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: road closures and notices to check before you drive out from Picton.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Whatamango Bay from the Picton ferry?
About 15 minutes, according to DOC. The campsite is 10 km east of Picton on Port Underwood Road.
Do I need to book?
Yes. Bookings are required, and DOC keeps no spaces for people who arrive without one. Same-day online bookings close at 8 pm.
How much does it cost?
$15 a night for adults and $7.50 for children aged 5 to 17. Infants are free, and the DOC Campsite Pass can be used.
Is there drinking water?
Water comes from a stream, so DOC suggests you boil, treat or filter it before use.
Are there rubbish bins?
No. There are no rubbish facilities, so take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Can I bring a dog?
No. DOC does not allow dogs at Whatamango Bay Campsite.
Are there powered sites?
No. All 50 sites are non-powered or tent sites, and generators are not allowed.
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