Cowshed Bay is a DOC campsite and small beach in Kenepuru Sound, on the inner reach of the Marlborough Sounds, accessed by a winding drive over from Linkwater or via boat. The campsite sits right above the water just before Portage Resort, has 30+ unpowered sites with toilets, running water and a cooking shelter, and faces a sheltered bit of coast that’s calm enough for an easy dip. It’s a popular school-holiday family camp — bookings are required for the December–February peak.
Practical Information
| Location | Kenepuru Sound, just before Portage Resort |
| Access | Kenepuru Road from Linkwater (about 1 hr 15 min from Picton); also reachable by boat |
| Camping | DOC scenic campsite, unpowered sites only, bookings required Dec–Feb and public holidays |
| Facilities | Toilets, running water, cold showers, cooking shelter; lower-camp facilities currently closed |
| Cost | DOC scenic campsite fee per adult/child (see DOC for current rates) |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
| Swimming | Sheltered shoreline, generally calm; check conditions at low tide |
| Activities | Swimming, kayaking, walking/biking the Queen Charlotte Track |
About Cowshed Bay
Cowshed Bay sits in the south-eastern reach of Kenepuru Sound — the long northern arm of the Marlborough Sounds that branches off Queen Charlotte. The campsite is one of the few DOC scenic campsites in this area that’s accessible by road (rather than only by water taxi), which is why it fills up over peak summer. The grounds rise gently from the waterfront, with sites scattered among trees, and the cooking shelter sits central.
The bay itself is small, with a stony foreshore that gives way to sand and gravel at the water line. It’s not a long sandy beach — that’s not the appeal — but the water is sheltered, the views across the Sound are striking, and on a still summer evening the place is exactly what people drive over for.
The Queen Charlotte Track passes immediately above the campsite, making Cowshed Bay a natural overnight stop for trampers and mountain bikers doing the multi-day route. Portage Resort, a short walk along the road, is the nearest place for a meal, coffee or drink.
Booking and Peak Season
DOC requires bookings for the peak period (1 December to 28 February) and for public holiday weekends. Outside those windows the campsite operates first-come, first-served, but it can still fill on long weekends. Book early — the December–January summer holidays sell out months in advance.
The lower-camp facilities have been closed in recent DOC notices; camping is currently on the inland side of the road. Check the current DOC page before booking in case the layout has changed again.
Getting There
From Picton, drive to Linkwater (around 25 minutes), then turn onto Kenepuru Road. The Kenepuru Sound road is sealed but extremely winding — allow at least an hour from Linkwater to Cowshed Bay despite the relatively short straight-line distance. The road is not suitable for towing large caravans, and meeting oncoming traffic on the corners requires care.
Where to Learn More
DOC — Cowshed Bay Campsite — the authoritative source for current site layout, facility status, fees, booking links and any active closures. Check before driving out.
Tramping.net.nz — Cowshed Bay Campsite — practical write-up from a tramper’s perspective, useful if you’re walking or biking the Queen Charlotte Track and planning Cowshed Bay as a stopover.
Rankers — Cowshed Bay Reviews — recent traveller reviews with photos, useful for setting expectations on site conditions, swimming, and the drive in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to book Cowshed Bay campsite?
Yes — bookings are required from 1 December to 28 February and for public holiday weekends. Outside those periods it’s first-come, first-served.
Can you swim at Cowshed Bay?
Yes — the bay is sheltered and generally calm. Conditions vary with the tide and wind, so check before swimming. The foreshore is stone/gravel rather than sandy.
Are dogs allowed at Cowshed Bay campsite?
No — dogs are not permitted at the DOC campsite.
How do you get to Cowshed Bay?
By road via Linkwater and Kenepuru Road (around 1 hr 15 min from Picton), or by boat. The road is sealed but winding — allow more time than the map suggests.
What facilities are at Cowshed Bay campsite?
Toilets, running water, cold showers, and a cooking shelter. Power is not available — sites are unpowered.
Can large campervans use Cowshed Bay?
Smaller motorhomes and campers can fit, but the Kenepuru road is not suitable for towing large caravans. Check site dimensions on the DOC page.
Is there a shop or restaurant nearby?
Portage Resort is a short walk along the road and is the nearest place for meals and drinks. Otherwise bring all supplies — there are no shops on the Kenepuru Road.
For more Marlborough Sounds swimming and camping options, see the full guide to swimming in Blenheim. Nearby Anakiwa is the alternative road-accessible Sounds swim spot if you don’t want to camp.
