Image: Johnny Joseph | DOC
Cowshed Bay.
Cowshed Bay Campsite

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

Explore Kenepuru Sound by boat, walk or mountain bike the nearby Queen Charlotte Track or relax by the water surrounded by native bush.

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

Book Cowshed Bay Campsite online. 

Bookings for 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

Bookings open at 9.30 am on Tuesday 20 May 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 for stays up to 30 June 2025

Bookings are currently open.

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.

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.