Cowshed Bay Campsite
Pelorus Sound
24 Rankers Reviews
17 Face-to-Face
Accommodation
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Getting here involves a winding but very scenic drive until you get to Portage Bay Recreation Reserve, the Cowshed Bay Camping Ground is right on the waterfront just before Portage Resort.
Brand new toilet blocks, showers (cold) and cooking shelters make this popular spot an even nicer place to stay. An easy walk to the Queen Charlotte Track from the back of the campground.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds |
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Reviews
Showing 8 reviews of 22.
Gina Schopfer
Ranking: 2/10
The campsite is currently closed because the road suffered a slip.
Vander Plancke Julien
Ranking: 10/10
What a place to stop close to the Sound. The road to drive there is hard but ok. The camping ground is divided in two on each part of the road. Facilities are very clean.
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Rebecca Lindsey
Ranking: 8/10
Our first experience at a DOC campground did not disappoint. This campsite was a fun place to stop over after taking the ferry in to Picton that morning.
There are two halves to the campsite, one right on the water and one up across the road. We scored a spot right next to the water, which was also convenient to the sink and bathrooms. The site seems well-maintained and has an easy vibe. The location is quite pretty, but watch out for the wekas! They are very present and will happily steal anything you leave out for them. They also have no problem climbing up into your vehicle if you leave it open, so beware. Sand flies were a pain here as well. With friendly campers as neighbors, we had a very nice stay here and enjoyed the varied bird life and their songs.
We paid $13 per person to stay here. Also, word to the wise: the roads getting here are true NZ - verrrrry windy with lots of blind turns! So drive safely!
Maura O'Connell
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful location, cold showers, excellent facilities - clean flush toilets, kitchen area, sinks and benches. Sheltered too.
Sue Harrington
Ranking: 8/10
We stayed here two nights in August while we walked some of the Queen Charlotte Track. It's a beautiful little site, very peaceful and right on the water's edge, with extra space the other side of the road when it's busy. The water needs treating before you can drink it. The toilets are modern and clean. There is a path from the back of the site up to the Queen Charlotte Track, which is about half a km. You can buy passes at the Portage Hotel...5 minutes from the site.
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Mathieu Brunel
Ranking: 8/10
It was clean! A good view of the sea.
Wolfgang Rank
Ranking: 10/10
We found lovely hosts at the Sounds paradise. Staying at the waterfront at this nice place was so enjoyable. Everything new and absolutely clean. The entrance to Queen Charlotte Track is very close by.
Sona
Ranking: 7/10
We decided to spend the whole day here, but if you do not join Queen Charlotte, there is not much else to do. Winds were strong, tides significant and the gravel beach not exactly attractive for swimming. Next time we would probably spare the drive.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
