Debretts Pelorus

Debretts is on Kenepuru's north facing shore in the historic Portage Bay. Portage (to portage) came from the indigenous Maori, who carried or transported their Waka from the Kenepuru Sound, up and over the Portage/Torea Saddle and down into the Queen Charlotte Sound, thus having access to both Sounds. This link was vital to settlers as well, as there was no road, or only parts of the road as we know now, and boat was the common means of transport in the Sounds and from Picton and Havelock. In 1863 the crown granted land in Portage Bay and the first house was built. In 1875 the first post office and grocery shop was opened. Around 1914 the the lease for the Sounds mail contract changed hands and the first official guest house was also built. This burnt down and in 1926 and a larger guest house was built. In 1952 Portage was granted a full publican's licence and the Constable is reputed to have asked with a grin, "what will you do with one you have been using for the last thirty years?" Leading on to the existing Portage Resort today.
The Portage Bay shop was built in 1987 and stocked supplies of every nature for locals, holiday makers and trampers, with food, fuel, accommodation and activities to cater for everyone. Brett worked here for a number of years after the shop opened and Deb joined the team later, where they eventually took over the lease for four years. At the expiry of the lease Brett and Deb purchased land in Portage Bay and built Debretts.

While in Portage Bay you can dine at the Portage Resort or visit the local store. Have a beer or local Marlborough wine.
Swim off the beach or take a water taxi to walk short sections of the Queen Charlotte track, take a packed lunch and we can drop you at a secluded beach for you to soak up some Marlborough sun and warm inland sea.