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.

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.

There are two toilet cubicles in the facilities located on the seaward side of the camp and a further three, with a cold shower, on the inland side.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 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 2027.

  • 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.

Book Cowshed Bay Campsite online. 

Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.

Te Araroa – The Trail Pass

Te Araroa Trail walkers should register and purchase the Te Araroa Trail Pass.

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.