Cowshed Bay Campsite
Located in Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere and Kenepuru Sound area in the Marlborough region
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Introduction
Explore Kenepuru Sound by boat, walk or mountain bike the nearby Queen Charlotte Track or relax by the water surrounded by native bush.Access
- Boat
- Foot
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shelter for cooking
- Shower - cold
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Mountain biking
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
Cowshed Bay Campsite is fully open but the facilities in the lower camp are closed.
Camp amongst the native bush on the inland side of the road (no camping on the foreshore as the facilities are closed). Portage is nearby (500m) where there is a bar, restaurant and jetty.
Services
A camp warden is in residence for most of the summer.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $5 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
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.
Walk or bike the Queen Charlotte Track to Torea Saddle or boat to Torea or Portage Bays. From Torea walk or bike 750m uphill on the paved road to Torea Saddle. At Torea Saddle there is a 700m track downhill into the campsite. From Portage it is a 500m walk or cycle along the paved road to the Campsite.
No access to the camp for non-residents along the Kenepuru Road as per the alert.
Tracks to this campsite
Location
Portage Bay, Kenepuru Sound.
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1699586, N5438191
Latitude: -41.20147238, Longitude: 174.02783069
Camp rules
- All groups must include a responsible adult 18+.
- Quiet hours are from 9:30 pm – 6:30 am.
- Generators allowed from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm only
- Music players must be used with headphones or played at a level not audible to neighbouring campsites.
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
Contacts
| Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre | |
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| 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 |