Image: Margot Ferrier | DOC
Kenepuru Head Campsite
Kenepuru Head Campsite

Located in Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere and Kenepuru Sound area in the Marlborough region

Picturesque setting and a great base for a range of activities, including boating, fishing, walking and mountain biking on the nearby Queen Charlotte Track.

Check road conditions

Severe weather has damaged many roads in the Marlborough Sounds. Before you travel to our facilities, check the latest road updates on the Marlborough District Council website.

Camp rules

  • All groups must include a responsible adult 18+.
  • Quiet hours are from 9.30 pm to 6.30 am.
  • Generators from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm only.
  • Music players must be used with headphones or played at a level not audible to neighbouring campsites.
  • No rubbish facilities are provided – take all rubbish with you when you leave.

Fees

9 February to 25 December

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Child (5 - 17 years): $5 per night
  • Infant (0 - 4 years): free

26 December to 8 February

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Child (5 - 17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Payment

  • Online year round when you make a booking.
  • Cash – bring the correct amount as we cannot give change.
  • Sounds Campground Passes, pre-purchased through i-SITEs.
  • Credit card / eftpos when host is present, usually November to March.

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

Book Kenepuru Head Campsite online.

Take your booking confirmation letter with you and display it clearly at your campsite at all times – the camp host requires proof of booking/payment from all visitors.

Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Friday 15 May 2026.  

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.

Turn off Queen Charlotte Drive at Linkwater into Kenepuru Road and follow for 40 km to Kenepuru Head. Sealed, narrow and winding road.

The closest boat launching is at Sandy Bay, 2.5 kms before the camp travelling from Portage.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1693687, N5441491
Latitude: -41.17382446, Longitude: 174.1180851

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.