Picnic Bay Campsite

Notice

Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.

About: This is a scenic area with walking, sea kayaking, motor boating, kayaking, fishing and bird watching.
Facilities: Non-powered/tent sites
Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Toilets - non-flush
Toilets
Water supply
Activities: Boating, Fishing, Kayaking and canoeing, Walking and tramping
Dogs: Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit.
Landscape: Coastal
Access: Boat, Campervan, Car, Caravan
Unpowered sites: 3

Fees and bookings

Fees

Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
Infant (0–4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.

If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Getting there

Turn off Queen Charlotte Drive at Linkwater into Kenepuru Rd and follow 2 km past Portage.

Narrow, winding road.

Location

NZTM2000: E1687688, N5439092
Latitude: -41.19527845, Longitude: 174.04645666

Know before you go

Camp rules

All groups must include a responsible adult 18+.
Quiet hours are from 9.30 pm – 6.30 am.
Generators allowed from 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm only.
Music players must be used with headphones or played at a level not audible to neighbouring campsites.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

Picnic Bay Campsite

Alerts

MetService warnings