Last updated November 2026
The Kumutoto Bay Track is a short walk at Kumutoto Bay in inner Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, about 35 km from Blenheim. DOC times it at 1 hour return and grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track. The track is closed.
DOC says: “The track from Kumutoto Campsite to the next bay is closed due to a large windfall and a slip.” That is the only route DOC describes, and the slip, 30 metres across, has removed the track entirely in this section.
DOC asks walkers not to attempt to cross the windfall or the slip, though access to the campsite and jetty is not affected. Check DOC before you go for the latest on the closure.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Kumutoto Bay Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Kumutoto Bay, inner Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui
- Distance from the city
- About 35 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- 1 hr return
- Track length
- Not given by DOC
- Grade
- Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Closed: the track from Kumutoto Campsite to the next bay, the only route DOC describes, has been removed by a windfall and a slip. Access to the campsite and jetty is not affected. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Kumutoto Bay Track
Kumutoto Bay is in the inner part of Queen Charlotte Sound, and DOC describes its track simply as a short walk. DOC times it at about an hour there and back when it is open, but the track is closed (see below).
The only route DOC’s page describes is the Kumutoto Bay – Kumutoto West Track, from the campsite to the next bay, and it is closed. A large windfall and a slip 30 metres across have removed the track entirely in this section, so there is no walk to do here until DOC reopens it.
The good news is that DOC says access to the campsite and the jetty is not affected, so you can still land at Kumutoto Bay and use the camp.
Track Closure
DOC’s instruction is clear: do not attempt to cross the windfall or the slip. The slip has removed the track entirely in that section, so there is no way through. Turn back at the closure and check the DOC page for any update before you plan to walk to the next bay.
Getting There and Before You Go
Queen Charlotte Drive, between Picton and Havelock, is the main road through the Sounds, and DOC notes other roads are narrow, winding and mostly unsealed. Water taxis run from Picton, Havelock and French Pass to parts of the Sounds, and you can also hire yachts, launches, motor boats and sea kayaks.
The weather in the Sounds is generally mild but can change quickly, especially on the water, so check the marine forecast if you are going by boat. In late summer and autumn, carry antihistamine if you are allergic to wasp stings, and boil, filter or treat water before drinking it.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Kumutoto Bay Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui area: other walks, campsites and alerts around Queen Charlotte Sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kumutoto Bay Track open?
No. DOC says the track from Kumutoto Campsite to the next bay is closed because of a large windfall and a slip, and that is the only route its page describes. Access to the campsite and jetty is not affected.
How long does it take?
DOC times the track at 1 hour return when it is open. It is closed from the campsite to the next bay, and DOC describes no other route.
Can I get around the slip?
No. DOC says not to attempt to cross the windfall or the slip, which has removed the track entirely for about 30 metres.
How hard is the walk?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is no dogs.
How do I get to Kumutoto Bay?
Water taxis run to parts of Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton, Havelock and French Pass, and you can also hire boats and sea kayaks.
How far is it from Blenheim?
About 35 km in a straight line, in inner Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.