French Pass Campsite
Located in French Pass and D'Urville Island Scenic Reserves in the Marlborough region
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Introduction
This campsite is a great base for boating, fishing, swimming and kayaking and is the gateway to Rangitoto ki te Tonga/D’Urville Island.Access
- Boat
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- Boat launching
- Jetty
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shower - cold
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Swimming
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
Facilities
There is a boat ramp next to the campsite and a jetty nearby.
- Flush toilets, sinks and cold showers available.
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
- Water must be boiled, treated or filtered
Fees
9 February to 25 December
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
26 December to 8 February
- Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $9 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Payment
Online bookings and payments are required prior to arrival.
Bring cash with you, no ATMs are available at French Pass.
If you have not pre-booked, pay cash on arrival at the self-registration stand if a site is available. The Camp Manager checks payments daily.
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Bookings are required all year. Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Email bookings are not available for this campsite.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
Te Aumiti/French Pass is in the Marlborough Sounds.
Turn off SH 6 north of Rai Valley into Ronga Road which becomes Croisilles-French Pass Road. Follow this for 70 km to the end. The road is partially unsealed and is narrow and winding.
Te Aumiti/French Pass can also be accessed by boat.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1670992, N5469085
Latitude: -40.92601755, Longitude: 173.84247534
There is a risk of slips/landslides impacting the camp. This means that in periods of high rainfall the camp may be closed.
No generators permitted.
Flood damage and restrictions for Marlborough Sounds roads
Most Marlborough Sounds roads have been impacted by major flood damage from storms in August 2022.
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
Walking and tramping
Walk the French Pass Lookout Track and watch the tide race through the narrow gap between D'Urvillle Island and the mainland.
Contacts
| Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 546 9339 |
| nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |