Area & getting there
Aussie Bay Campsite
DOC's published campsite reference point, not a surveyed entrance or individual pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -41.27234, 173.92878 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- Published DOC reference coordinates; not a claim of survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- Aussie Bay Campsite: published Location coordinates (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- DOC announces closure to all visitors from 5 October to 12 November 2026.
- The entrance is steep with tight turning; motorhomes are limited to 7 m.
- Book before arrival when the campsite is available; caravans are not verified.
- Boil the untreated tap water and obtain a DOC permit before bringing a dog.
- Location
- Grove Arm, Queen Charlotte Drive, about 15 km from Picton
- Announced closure
- 5 October-12 November 2026 for essential building works
- Vehicle access
- Cars and motorhomes up to 7 m; steep driveway and tight turn
- Adult fee
- NZ$15 per adult 18+ per night, non-powered, when available
- Facilities
- Non-flush toilets and untreated tap water
- Dogs
- DOC permit required before visiting
Aussie Bay is a small coastal campsite off Queen Charlotte Drive, but an announced works closure is the first planning check. DOC says it will be closed to all visitors from 5 October to 12 November 2026. Do not treat this directory entry as live availability.
Check the closure before booking transport
Read the official campsite page and current notice before making an itinerary depend on this stop. Recheck reopening for dates after the announced work period; an end date is not independent confirmation that work has finished.
For a ferry-based journey, keep another authorised overnight option in the plan. A construction closure is not a reason to use an adjacent roadside space as a substitute campsite.
Measure the motorhome and assess the approach
The driveway is steep and turning space is tight. DOC's current limit is seven metres for motorhomes; car access is also listed, but caravans are not a verified category.
Check Queen Charlotte Drive restrictions separately, especially if towing. Ask your rental provider about the vehicle's suitability rather than assuming the campground's general access category covers your exact combination and driving experience.
Reserve a basic camping stay
When available, the adult non-powered rate is NZ$15 nightly and booking is required. Enter the whole party and retain confirmation offline. A dog needs a separate DOC permit, not simply a mention on the accommodation booking.
Read the specific conditions before deciding whether this compact stop fits a longer group stay. If you need a kitchen, shower or laundry, choose a site that confirms those facilities rather than expecting them here.
Organise drinking water and activities
Non-flush toilets and untreated tap water are listed; boil the water before use. Arrive with enough drinking water for setup and a meal that can be prepared using your own equipment.
Nearby walking or cycling needs a separate route check. A bay location does not make every water activity suitable in the day's conditions. Our road-trip guide helps keep this stop in proportion to the rest of the journey.
Source: Department of Conservation. Information is paraphrased under DOC's CC BY 4.0 reuse terms.
Common questions
Can I camp at Aussie Bay in October 2026?
DOC has announced closure to all visitors from 5 October through 12 November 2026. Do not plan a stay in that period; confirm reopening before a later visit.
Will a large motorhome fit?
The current page allows motorhomes up to 7 m and warns about a steep driveway and tight turning. Check your complete vehicle dimensions; caravans are not a listed access category.
Does booking the campsite also permit my dog?
No. Dog access requires a separate DOC permit. Obtain it and check its conditions before making the trip.
