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Bay of Many Coves Campsite

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Bay of Many Coves Campsite

Queen Charlotte Sound

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Bay of Many Coves Campsite

Walk or mountain bike in to this backcountry campsite in the Marlborough Sounds. Access is from the Queen Charlotte Track. There is no drive in access.

Bike or walking track access only. A great place to have a break in the picnic shelter as you are exploring the Queen Charlotte Track.

Notices

  • Windfall/track damage on Queen Charlotte Track

    There are multiple windfalls and some track damage on Queen Charlotte Track from recent storms. Allow extra time to complete the track and be prepared to find your way around various obstacles. There is windfall on a section of the track from Anakiwa to Bottle Bay. See indicative map (PDF, 483K). Once track repairs begin, there may be short delays. Follow all directions from staff and contractors. 

    First published on 21 April 2026.

  • Ungulate control operation on Queen Charlotte Track and campgrounds

    From 10 May to late June 2026 an ungulate control operation is occurring on public  conservation and private land from Lochmara Bay to the south side of Endeavour Inlet in Queen Charlotte Sound. View a map of the operation area (JPEG, 228K)

    The operation is targeting deer, goats and pigsusing both thermal imaging technology to aerial shoot from a helicopter and ground hunting teams with indicator dogs.

    If you are in this area during these dates, be aware there could be noise from a helicopter and rifle shots. Signs will be in place at key points of entry advising on the operation.

    Safety protocols exist for target identification so there is no danger to you being in this area while the operation is undertaken, although off track travel is not recommended.

    First published on 5 May 2026.

Accommodation

DOC Campsite Pricing

Bay of Many Coves Campsite is categorised as a DOC Backcountry Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for each campsite but is usually very cheap. Visit the website for exact pricing.

DOC Backcountry Campsite

Backcountry campsites have toilets and a water supply which may be from a stream. Picnic tables, cooking shelters or fireplaces may be provided.

Feature Value Value

Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

DOC Marlborough

Central government organisation

Location

South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds

Categories
  • Activity__basic_facility_campingBasic Camping

Operating Season And Hours

The campsite operates year-round. Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Friday 15 May 2026. Same-day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain. The peak period is from 1 December to 28 February and public holiday weekends.

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-41.1722581266314

174.141798019409

Latitude
-41.1722581266314
Longitude
174.141798019409

Websites
Feature Value Info

Overnight Camping Site Cost

  • Low Cost Camping Low Cost Camping

Overnight Camping Site Cost

What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight?

Low Cost Camping

Low Cost Camping

You can expect very basic facilities only and often a beautiful location. A nominal fee is charged.

Overnight Stay Rules

  • Camping only Camping only

Overnight Stay Rules

What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite?

Camping only

Camping only

You are permitted to camp only in a tent. Staying in vehicles is not possible.

Campsite Managing Organisation

  • DOC Managed DOC Managed

Campsite Managing Organisation

What type of organisation operates this campsite?

DOC Managed

DOC Managed

This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.

Original

Maximum Sites Available

  • Up to 5 sites

Maximum Sites Available

How many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in?

Up to 5 sites

There are only between one and five camping/parking sites available.

Water Supply

  • Water supply available

Water Supply

Is there fresh water available?

Water supply available

A supply of fresh water is available.

LImited water supply especially in dry summers. Untreated water. You may wish to boil or treat before drinking.

Shower

  • No shower

Shower

Is there a shower at this location?

No shower

No shower is available.

Dump Station

  • No dump station

Dump Station

Dump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station?

No dump station

This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles.

Booking Required

  • First Come, First Served

Booking Required

Is it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight?

First Come, First Served

Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot.

Powered Sites

  • No powered sites

Powered Sites

Does this establishment have powered sites?

No powered sites

This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply.

Large Vehicle Access

  • No large vehicles

Large Vehicle Access

Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access?

No large vehicles

The site is not accessible for large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.

Dogs

  • No dogs allowed No dogs allowed

Dogs

Does this establishment allow dogs?

No dogs allowed

No dogs allowed

The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs.

Vehicle Access

  • No vehicle access

Vehicle Access

Can vehicles drive in?

No vehicle access

This location is not accessible in a vehicle.

Boat, bike or walking access only

DOC Campsite Category

  • DOC Backcountry Campsite

DOC Campsite Category

What category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into?

DOC Backcountry Campsite

Department of Conservation Backcountry Campsites have toilets and a water supply which may be from a stream. They may have picnic tables, cooking shelters or fire places. Backcountry Campsites generally can not be booked.

WiFi Internet

  • No WiFi

WiFi Internet

What type of WiFi internet access is available?

No WiFi

There is no WiFi access available.

Campfire Rules

  • Fires prohibited

Campfire Rules

What are the rules for open air fires?

Fires prohibited

There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted.

Toilet

  • Public toilet

Toilet

Is there a toilet available?

Public toilet

There are toilet facilities available to the general public.

Long drop only