Posted on December 17, 2025
Pukatea/Whites Bay beach and campsite in Marlborough will reopen at midday on December 22 following extensive repair work after severe storm damage in July.
The popular site, patrolled by the Rārangi Surf Life Saving Club and known for its family-friendly swimming, kayaking and mountain biking, has undergone significant remediation led by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
DOC South Marlborough operations manager Stacey Wrenn said a low-key community event will mark the reopening.
“Critical infrastructure at Whites Bay was badly damaged by the storms in July,” Wrenn said.
Repairs included rebuilding beach access pathways, restoring a creek that runs through the site, repairing a historic flood-damaged building, and general landscaping. A new septic system was also installed, with Wrenn noting it was “a technically complex and time-consuming piece of work”.
The project was completed in collaboration with local iwi Ngāti Rārua, Rangitāne o Wairau, and Ngāti Toa, along with Marlborough District Council and Heritage NZ.
“We know Whites Bay is important to the local community for some summer naturing, and everyone has worked really hard to get the site up and running for the summer holidays,” Wrenn said.
While parts of the site may look different due to flood damage, Wrenn said “nature will take over again” in time.
The reopening celebration will include a ribbon cutting, sausage sizzle, and swimming flags raised — “a classic Kiwi summer’s day at the beach,” Wrenn said.
Bookings for the campsite, which must be made online, open on December 22 through the DOC website.
The nearby road, while open, still has storm-related single-lane sections and seal damage. Drivers are advised to use caution.
