25 Rankers Reviews
Explore Kenepuru Sound by boat, walk or mountain bike the nearby Queen Charlotte Track or relax by the water surrounded by native bush.
Getting here involves a winding but very scenic drive until you get to Portage Bay Recreation Reserve, the Cowshed Bay Camping Ground is right on the waterfront just before Portage Resort.
Brand new toilet blocks, showers (cold) and cooking shelters make this popular spot an even nicer place to stay. An easy walk to the Queen Charlotte Track from the back of the campground.
! From Marlborough Council: Kenepuru Road and its side roads, including Moetapu Bay Road, are restricted to residents and emergency services only. They are not suitable for visitors.
Check Council website for current road conditions.
Due to limited septic capacity, Cowshed Bay is no longer suitable for vehicle accommodation.
Picnic Bay, Nikau Cove and Kenepuru Head campsites further along Kenepuru Road are available for campervans (and other vehicles), and Kenepuru Head can be booked in advance.
Those walking and cycling the Queen Charlotte Track can still use Cowshed Bay.
First published on 16 December 2024. Last reviewed on 16 December 2024.Access by vehicle to DOC campsites and tracks accessible from Kenepuru Road is now open. Access by road is open to:
Vehicles including towed boats or caravans must be less than 12.6 m long and 6 tonnes in weight.
These roads are still under repair due to storm damage with one lane and gravel sections present. Drivers should expect delays at any time.
For more information, see Emergency Management Public Information map or phone Marlborough Roads on 0800 213 213.
First published on 16 December 2022. Last reviewed on 31 December 2024.Cowshed Bay Campsite is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.
Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.
Feature | Value | Value |
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Unpowered Site | Adult | $10.00 to $15.00 per night |
Unpowered Site | Child | $5.00 to $7.50 per night |
Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC MarlboroughCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds |
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Operating Season And Hours |
Not Operating | |
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