This accommodation is located at Whites Bay Recreation Reserve within easy drive from Blenheim, wineries, gourmet foods and artists of Marlborough.

Getting there

Rarangi Surf Club building

Whites Bay is located on Port Underwood Road. Follow State Highway 1 to Tuamarina (9 km north of Blenheim or 20 km south of Picton).

Turn off and head east via Hunter, Pembers and Rarangi Roads to Rarangi and Monkey Bay. From Rarangi/Monkey Bay the road climbs steeply over hills to Whites Bay. Whites Bay and the historic cable station is sign posted down a short side road off Port Underwood Road. Whites Bay from Picton on Port Underwood Road is not recommended for caravans.

Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1688402-N5417878.

Features

This historic and scenic bay is just 22 km from Blenheim. It is named after a black American known as Black Jack White who, in 1828, deserted his whaling ship and took up residence with local Maori. They in turn had long used the bay as a base for fishing expeditions in Cook Strait.

In 1866, Whites Bay became the South Island terminus of an inter-island telegraph cable. The original cable station still exists. Some of the original forest also remains, although much was burned in the early years of European settlement and is still regenerating.

The shoreline provides both rocky areas for scrambling and exploring and a near-flat sandy beach that is excellent for swimming. It is the only safe swimming spot on the Cloudy Bay coast and also a great base for walking, fishing and kayaking.

Whites Bay 

Facilities

• Contains a large dining room, open style bunkroom, toilet, shower, hand basin and kitchen.
• Heating is provided by a log burner in the winter, some firewood is provided.
• The kitchen is equipped with a gas oven and a four burner gas stove top. No cooking and eating utensils are provided.
• Refrigeration is provided, 226 litre fridge, 92 litre freezer. 
• Hot water is available via gas califont.
• Gas is provided.
• Electricity is available by way of solar power.
• Mattresses are provided in the bunkroom. 

Fees

Cost is $50 per night. Maximum number of people is 10.

Booking

South Marlborough Area Office
Phone:	+64 3 572 9100
Email:
Full office details

Building interior

What to bring

• Cooking and eating utensils.
• Kindling wood.
• Sleeping bags, blankets and pillows.

Notes

• No candles or naked flames.
• No driftwood to be burnt in the fireplace.
• Adult supervision is essential at all times.
• No smoking inside the building and on the veranda.
• Ensure the facility is left clean and tidy for the next users and check with the ranger before departure.

Related links

• View the Rarangi Surf Club building factsheet (PDF, 280K)
• Whites Bay tracks
• Whites Bay campsite

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