Last updated May 2026
Bob’s Bay is a small, secluded bay just east of Picton, reached by either the Lower or Upper Bob’s Bay tracks — both starting from the eastern Picton foreshore near Shelly Beach. The Upper track loop is about 3.4 km return and takes around 55 minutes; the Lower track is shorter and more direct. The bay itself has a narrow sandy beach and a toilet, with the Lower track connecting on to the Harbour View Trail for a longer walk. It’s a popular short walk for cruise-ship passengers and day visitors to Picton.
Practical Information
| Location | Just east of Picton — accessed from the eastern foreshore near Shelly Beach |
| Track options | Upper Bob’s Bay Track (easier, longer); Lower Bob’s Bay Track (shorter, more direct) |
| Loop distance | About 3.4 km return (lower + upper combined loop) |
| Time | Around 55 minutes for the loop; 30 min one way to Bob’s Bay |
| Difficulty | Easy — gradual up and down with a few steeper sections |
| Access points | Shelly Beach end; Victoria Domain Loop Road end |
| Beach | Narrow sandy beach, secluded |
| Facilities | Toilet at the bay |
| Connects to | Harbour View Trail (from the Lower track) |
| Cost | Free |
About the Walk
Bob’s Bay sits just around the headland east of Picton’s main foreshore, in the Victoria Domain reserve. The walk in is a sequence of short coastal tracks that climb out of the Shelly Beach end of the Picton waterfront, contour along the headland through native bush, and drop down into the small bay. Most walkers do the loop combining the Upper and Lower tracks, which gives variety on the return and includes the connection points back to the foreshore.
The Upper Bob’s Bay Track is the gentler, more graded route — recommended if you’re walking with children or want a less rugged path. The Lower Bob’s Bay Track is shorter and feels more direct, with a few steeper sections but plenty of tree cover and brush along the way. Both arrive at the same bay.
Bob’s Bay Itself
The bay is small — a narrow sandy beach backed by bush, with a toilet provided. It’s much quieter than the Picton foreshore even in summer, simply because the walk in keeps the numbers down. The bay is suitable for a quiet swim or picnic, but it’s not large enough or developed enough to be a destination for the day — it’s a turnaround spot on a short walk rather than a beach you’d spend hours at.
Connections to Other Tracks
From the Lower Bob’s Bay Track you can connect on to the Harbour View Trail, which extends the walk along the headland to higher viewpoints. The wider Victoria Domain track network — including tracks to The Snout / Te Ihu o Moeone — offers longer options for walkers wanting more than the loop.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough District Council — Bob’s Bay Reserve — official council reserve page with track and facility detail.
AllTrails — Lower and Upper Bob’s Bay Track Loop — community trail mapping with GPS, photos and recent user reviews of the loop.
MDC — Picton by Foot or Bike (PDF) — official council brochure covering Bob’s Bay alongside Titoki Bay, Karaka Bay, The Snout and other Picton-area walking tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bob’s Bay?
Just east of Picton, accessed from the eastern Picton foreshore near Shelly Beach or from the Victoria Domain Loop Road.
How long is the walk to Bob’s Bay?
The loop combining Upper and Lower tracks is about 3.4 km return and takes around 55 minutes. One-way to the bay is about 30 minutes on the Upper track.
Which track is easier?
The Upper Bob’s Bay Track is the gentler, more graded option. The Lower track is shorter but has a few steeper sections.
Is there a beach at Bob’s Bay?
Yes — a small, narrow, secluded sandy beach.
Are there toilets at Bob’s Bay?
Yes — a toilet is provided at the bay.
Can you swim at Bob’s Bay?
The bay is sheltered and suitable for a quiet swim, but it’s small. Shelly Beach back at the foreshore is the main swim destination in Picton.
Does Bob’s Bay connect to other walks?
Yes — the Lower track connects to the Harbour View Trail, and the wider Victoria Domain network has longer options.
For more Picton walks see the Day in Picton guide. The wider Blenheim walking tracks cover the rest of the region.
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