Last updated July 2026
Umungata Bay, also known as Davies Bay, is a shallow waterfront bay in the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui, accessible only by walking, cycling or boat along the Queen Charlotte Track. The bay features a gradual sandy and gravel bottom ideal for swimming and a DOC campsite with tent sites. It serves as a popular stop for day walkers, cyclists and boaters exploring the inner Sounds.
Practical Information
| Location | Grove Arm, Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui, about 2 km east of Anakiwa |
| Access | Walking, cycling or boat only — no road access |
| From Anakiwa | Around 45 minutes walking or 20–30 minutes cycling one way along the Queen Charlotte Track |
| Swimming | Wide shallow bay with sand and gravel bottom, sheltered and warm in summer |
| Camping | DOC Davies Bay Campsite — tent sites only, bookings required |
| Fees | Adult $10 per night, child (5–17) $5, infant free; DOC Campsite Pass accepted |
| Facilities | Toilets, no drinking water on site, picnic tables, no fires permitted |
| Water-skiing | Marked ski lane on the western side of the bay |
| Bookings | Required online in advance, especially peak season |
About Umungata (Davies) Bay
Umungata Bay sits on a shallow estuary in the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. The bay has a fine golden sand and coarse gravel bottom that slopes gradually, allowing wading far from shore in calm, sheltered waters. This setting makes it particularly suitable for swimming and family visits during summer months.
A grassed area behind the beach provides space for picnics and camping. The DOC campsite offers waterfront and bush-clearing tent sites with basic facilities including toilets. Vehicle access is impossible, so all visitors arrive on foot, by bike or by boat.
The bay lies on the Queen Charlotte Track between Mistletoe Bay and Anakiwa. The final section to Anakiwa passes through mature beech forest on an easy, well-formed path. Walkers and cyclists often use the bay as a lunch stop or overnight base on the southern portion of the track.
Access via the Queen Charlotte Track
From Anakiwa the track to Davies Bay is flat and straightforward, taking approximately 45 minutes on foot or 20–30 minutes by bike. The route offers occasional views across the Sounds while remaining mostly sheltered by bush. This short out-and-back option allows visitors to experience a section of the track without committing to longer multi-day journeys.
Sections of the track require a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative pass. Check current track conditions and pass requirements before travel.
Camping at Davies Bay
The DOC campsite is a large waterfront site suitable for tents only. Fees apply and advance bookings are required through the DOC website, with no spaces held for walk-up arrivals. The DOC Campsite Pass can be used. Fires are not permitted at any time. Bring drinking water as none is available on site.
Water Quality and Safety
The sheltered location keeps conditions calm for most of the year. After heavy rain, runoff can temporarily reduce water clarity. Check current water quality readings for Marlborough Sounds sites via LAWA before swimming. No lifeguard service operates at the bay.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the bay as a peaceful, shallow swimming spot perfect for families and a convenient overnight stop on the Queen Charlotte Track. Many note the easy access from Anakiwa and the calm waters ideal for wading and boating.
Campers appreciate the waterfront tent sites and basic facilities while warning that bookings fill quickly in summer. Boaters highlight the marked ski lane and good anchoring options in the protected bay.
Where to Learn More
DOC — Davies Bay Campsite: official page with fees, booking details, access notes and facility information.
Marlborough District Council — Ski and Swim Lanes: confirms the designated water-ski area at Davies Bay.
DOC — Queen Charlotte Track: track overview, conditions and nearby campsites in the Sounds area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Umungata (Davies) Bay?
Access is by walking or cycling the Queen Charlotte Track from Anakiwa (around 45 minutes one way) or by boat. There is no road access.
Can you swim at Umungata Bay?
Yes. The wide, shallow bay has a sand and gravel bottom and is sheltered, making it suitable for swimming in summer. There are no lifeguards.
Is there a campsite at Davies Bay?
Yes. DOC operates a tent-only campsite with waterfront and bush sites. Advance bookings are required and fees apply.
How much does it cost to camp at Davies Bay?
Adult $10 per night, child (5–17 years) $5 per night, infants free. The DOC Campsite Pass is accepted.
Is there a water-ski lane at Umungata Bay?
Yes. A marked water-ski lane is located on the western side of the bay.
Are there toilets and drinking water at the bay?
Toilets are provided at the campsite. No drinking water is available on site, so bring your own supply.
Do I need to book the campsite?
Yes. Book online in advance through the DOC website, especially for peak summer and public holiday periods.
Is the track suitable for a short day walk?
Yes. The easy, flat section from Anakiwa makes an ideal short out-and-back for those wanting a taste of the Queen Charlotte Track.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
