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Schoolhouse Bay Campsite

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Schoolhouse Bay Campsite

Queen Charlotte Sound

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Schoolhouse Bay Camping Ground

M. Ferrier

Schoolhouse Bay Camping Ground

M. Ferrier

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Information

Schoolhouse Bay Campsite

A sheltered east-facing bay with walking, boating, mountain biking and fishing close by.

You can access Resolution Bay by boat or from the Queen Charlotte Track. A sheltered east facing bay with walking, boating, mountain biking and fishing opportunities close by. Please note that there are no dogs or fires permitted at any time at the Schoolhouse Bay Camping Ground.

Notices

  • 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.

  • 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.

Accommodation

DOC Campsite Pricing

Schoolhouse Bay 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
Unpowered Site Adult Varies per night
Unpowered Site Child Varies per night
Unpowered Site Infant Varies per night

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

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. Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-41.1116281182013

174.225397109985

Latitude
-41.1116281182013
Longitude
174.225397109985

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

  • 6 to 10 sites

Maximum Sites Available

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

6 to 10 sites

There are between six and ten sites available to stay overnight in.

6 sites

Water Supply

  • Water supply available

Water Supply

Is there fresh water available?

Water supply available

A supply of fresh water is available.

Water is not treated. You may wish to boil or treat it before drinking.

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.

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.

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