Pelorus Bridge Campsite
Pelorus Bridge sits at the confluence of the Pelorus and Rai rivers, about 18 km west of Havelock in the top of the South Island. It’s managed by DOC and it’s well-established — powered and non-powered sites, flush toilets, hot showers, a kitchen shelter, and that river swimming hole that New Zealanders have been dunking themselves in for generations. The kahikatea forest around the camp is legitimately beautiful, old-growth-feeling with tree ferns everywhere. Reasonably popular spot on the tourist trail between Nelson and the Marlborough wine region, so weekends in summer get busy. Weeknights off-peak, it’s genuinely serene.
Access is off SH6 on sealed road — this is a DOC campsite that any rig can reach. No 4WD required. That said, it’s a solid base for exploring some rougher terrain in the Richmond Ranges and Pelorus headwaters if you want to push further. Cell service is limited in the valley. Book through the DOC booking system in summer — it fills.
DOC classic — old kahikatea forest and a legendary swim hole.
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Havelock, Marlborough |
| Miles from pavement | 0.2 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Best season | October-April |
| Land manager | Other |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Hookups, Picnic table, Shade, Showers, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |