Schoolhouse Bay Campsite
Backcountry campsiteLocated in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui area, MarlboroughOpen
Current advisories
Queen Charlotte Track landslips
01 October 2026
Due to recent storms, there are small landslips on the Queen Charlotte Track above Tawa Bay, between Resolution Inlet and Furneaux Lodge in Endeavour Inlet. Visitors should continue to use caution and cross these areas without delay. First published on 15 June 2026. Last reviewed on 2 October 2026.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai alerts.
- Sites
- 6
- Booking
- Can book
- Cost
- from $10
- Power
- None
- Toilet
- Non-flush
- Drinking water
- Boil first
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzThe camp is at Resolution Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound.
Walk or mountain bike to the camp on the Queen Charlotte Track.
Or you can access the camp via boat. There is no jetty at the camp, the closest jetty is at Resolution Bay, a 20 minute walk away. You will need to cross private land and pay a fee to the landowners.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 41.11135° S, 174.22488° E
About this place
A sheltered east-facing bay with walking, boating, mountain biking and fishing close by.
On the way here
Queen Charlotte Track · 3-5 days
Meretoto/Ship Cove to Resolution Bay
Walk time: 2 hr 4.5 km There is no road to Meretoto/Ship Cove so you will need to arrange boat transport to start your walk there. Camping is not permitted at Meretoto/Ship Cove but there are toilet facilities. Most visitors to Meretoto/Ship Cove take time to explore the historic site and enjoy reading the interpretation panels around the site. The track climbs away from the beach, passing through a largely unmodified forest, where the high canopy is complemented by a diverse understorey of shrubs and small trees. On the ridges higher up, beech trees dominate. After 50 minutes walking, you will reach a lookout point at a saddle, where you will enjoy good views of both the inner and outer Queen Charlotte Sound. Beyond the saddle, the track drops into Resolution Bay, where there is a DOC campsite at Schoolhouse Bay and further along, private cabin accommodation. Schoolhouse Bay Campsite
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing .
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Fees and bookings
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. Te Araroa – The Trail Pass Te Araroa Trail walkers should register and purchase the Te Araroa Trail Pass .
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. Book Schoolhouse Bay Campsite online . Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Camp Bay Campsite
Standard • Marlborough • 6.7 km
Camp Bay Campsite is located in a sheltered bay in Marlborough and offers fishing, boating, walking, and mountain biking. A nearby lodge provides a bar, small…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Toilets - flush
Bay of Many Coves Campsite
Backcountry • Marlborough • 9.7 km
Bay of Many Coves is a backcountry campsite in the Marlborough Sounds. Access is by walking or mountain biking from the Queen Charlotte Track, with no drive-in…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Black Rock Campsite
Backcountry • Marlborough • 16.7 km
Black Rock Campsite is a walk-in or mountain bike-in campsite located in the Marlborough Sounds. It is accessed from the Queen Charlotte Track, as there is no…
Non-powered/tent sites • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use • Toilets - non-flush
Cowshed Bay Campsite
Standard • Marlborough • 19 km
Cowshed Bay Campsite is located in the Marlborough region and offers a setting surrounded by native bush. It provides access to Kenepuru Sound by boat and is…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Shower - cold
Davies Bay Campsite
Backcountry • Marlborough • 28.5 km
Davies Bay Campsite is a large waterfront site on a shallow bay in Marlborough, suitable for boating and swimming. Campers can choose between waterfront spots…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Walks nearby
Contact
Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough information
Regional DOC service centre.
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Campsites (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Campsites · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- OpenStreetMap Campsites · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.