Bark Bay

At high tide, the estuary can make the campsite seem wrapped in water on both sides. Lower water exposes channels and sand flats to explore, and visitors repeatedly mention swimming and the lagoon. For a photo, stand back along the sand and frame the curved shore with forest and water; that shows the bay's shape better than a close crop of the sea.

The campground has 40 tent sites and must be booked; campsites on the Coast Track require advance reservations year-round. There are flush toilets and a shared cooking shelter. The water is untreated, so boil it before drinking. Pack food, and use only designated fireplaces when no fire ban applies. Dogs are not allowed.

Bark Bay is named for black beech bark the Huffam brothers gathered for its tannins, which were used on fishing nets and at a Nelson leather tannery. Four brothers settled here in 1870, with their father joining them; they grew fruit and vegetables, kept goats, sold firewood and hop poles, cut timber, and smoked barracouta. The name points to a working shore behind today's beach stop.