Area & getting there
Bark Bay Campsite
DOC campsite reference point, not a verified entrance or individual pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -40.91694, 173.05070 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- DOC Maps campsite reference point (WGS84), exact official-page asset ID (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- Boat- or walk-in Abel Tasman tent camping with a cooking shelter and active nearby works notices.
- Helicopter conifer control between Bark Bay and Awaroa is scheduled during 9 September-31 October 2026.
- Falls River-Torrent Bay track works run 31 August-23 October 2026; expect short delays and follow staff instructions.
- DOC notes frequent school-group use on weekday nights in parts of spring and autumn; a quiet stay is not guaranteed.
- Camping styles
- tent
- Fees
- Non-powered tent camping: NZ$21 per adult 18+ per night for eligible New Zealand visitors; international adults NZ$31 nightly October-April and NZ$21 May-September. NZ eligibility evidence required; DOC Campsite Pass not valid.
- Water
- Untreated tap water; boil before drinking and confirm supply before travel.
Boat- or walk-in Abel Tasman tent camping with a cooking shelter and active nearby works notices.
Allow time around the track works
Bark Bay is a walking or boating overnight on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. During this review, DOC lists track maintenance between Falls River and Torrent Bay and helicopter conifer work towards Awaroa. These notices affect planning around the campsite rather than declaring it closed. Leave room for delays on the approach and follow staff directions instead of trying to preserve a tightly timed itinerary.
Bring a self-contained tent setup
A cooking shelter, flush toilets and untreated taps are listed, but a shelter is not a supplied kitchen. Pack your own stove, utensils and water-boiling equipment. Keep essential gear portable for the beach arrival or track approach. If using a water taxi, arrange transport separately from the campsite booking and ask the operator about luggage, landing arrangements and the return before making onward commitments.
Choose the night with realistic expectations
DOC flags school-group use during parts of spring and autumn, so do not choose Bark Bay on the assumption of solitude. Check the appropriate New Zealand or international adult tariff and book before departure; the ordinary Campsite Pass is not accepted. Recheck the active notices shortly before travelling. Leave dogs behind and treat any fire facility as subject to current restrictions, not automatic permission.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
