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Paranomic view of Picton from Tirohanga Track

Things to do in  Picton

More than a transit hub

Travelers journeying overland to or from the North Island pass through Picton, a small town at the top of the South Island. But there’s more to Picton than its status as a transit hub: travelers who hang around before or after their ferry find a pretty town surrounded by the clear waters and forest-covered hills of the Marlborough Sounds. There are many things to do in Picton and its surrounding area, especially when the weather’s fine: swim, take a kayaking tour around Queen Charlotte Sound, cruise, or embark on a long-distance hike. Stay a while in Picton and see for yourself.

Learn more

Top 3 attractions in Picton

#1

Marlborough Sounds

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A series of sunken river valleys at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, the Marlborough Sounds offer a range of sights and adventures—hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife watching, to name but a few. Many travelers pass through Queen Charlotte Sound and the town of Picton on the ferry between the North and South islands.More
Tours & Tickets
#2
Port Marlborough (Picton Cruise Port)

Port Marlborough (Picton Cruise Port)

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Located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, Port Marlborough (Picton Cruise Port) is wedged between the mountains and the sea of Queen Charlotte Sound, one of four rugged sounds that make up the Marlborough Sounds. Large cruise liners and inter-island ferries crossing the Cook Strait all stop here.More
#3
Marlborough Vineyards

Marlborough Vineyards

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For wine drinkers the world over, New Zealand is synonymous with sauvignon blanc. While the country produces award-winning varietals like Central Otago pinot noir, it’s the sauvignon blanc from Marlborough vineyards that oenophiles can’t stop talking about. Despite its fame this premier wine region remains blissfully undeveloped.More
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Explore Picton by interest

Top activities in Picton

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

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196
From
US$69.25
Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton
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Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton

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87
From
US$62.78
Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

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25
From
US$58.74
Half-Day Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Half-Day Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton

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24
From
US$92.12
Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

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31
From
US$92.12
InterIslander Ferry - Picton to Wellington
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InterIslander Ferry - Picton to Wellington

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163
From
US$46.37
Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton
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Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton

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67
From
US$71.10
Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour Including Wine Tasting
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Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour Including Wine Tasting

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286
From
US$117.47
Picton CRUISE SHIP Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour

Picton CRUISE SHIP Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour

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95
From
US$136.02
Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton

Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton

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58
From
US$92.74
Half-Day Marlborough Wine Region Tour from Picton or Blenheim

Half-Day Marlborough Wine Region Tour from Picton or Blenheim

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131
From
US$92.74
3 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise

3 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise

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24
From
US$49.46
Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

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13
From
US$92.12
Scenic flight - Experience our Water and Wilderness scenic tour

Scenic flight - Experience our Water and Wilderness scenic tour

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13
From
US$172.50
Cruise Excursion - Wines of Marlborough Tour

Cruise Excursion - Wines of Marlborough Tour

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15
From
US$105.11
Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton

Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton

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31
From
US$92.12
Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton

Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton

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47
From
US$59.35
Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

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89
From
US$59.35
Private Shore Excursion:Explore Marlborough Wine and Scenic Delights from Picton

Private Shore Excursion:Explore Marlborough Wine and Scenic Delights from Picton

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4
From
US$862.49
per group
Bays and Bush Scenic Tour

Bays and Bush Scenic Tour

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7
From
US$83.47
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All about Picton

When to visit

Picton is a year-round destination as it’s the South Island departure and entry point for ferries across the Cook Strait. However, summer (December–February) is the best time to visit to enjoy the town and the surroundings in their own right rather than as a transit hub. Swimming, kayaking, hiking, and scenic cruises from Picton allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.

Getting around

Picton is a small town and can be navigated on foot. Many travelers have their own vehicle, which is generally necessary in the South Island, but to travel further afield without one, an infrequent local bus plies the route between Picton and Blenheim a couple of times per week, and the Marlborough Flyer vintage steam train takes a scenic route to Blenheim intermittently.

Traveler tips

If you want to hang around the Picton area for a few days, opt for a nearby campsite rather than stay in a bland transit motel. Momorangi Bay, 10 miles (15 kilometers) west of Picton on the Queen Charlotte Drive, has a pretty Department of Conservation-run campsite with views of Queen Charlotte Sound.

People Also Ask

Is Picton worth visiting?

Yes, Picton is worth visiting. Many people pass through Picton on the way to or from the ferry across the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands, but it’s worth visiting regardless of whether you’re taking the ferry.

...More
Is it better to stay in Picton or Blenheim?

Picton and Blenheim offer different experiences. If you’re catching a ferry to Wellington, Picton is a convenient place to stay. Picton is a good base for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. Blenheim is a larger town surrounded by wineries, making it a top foodie destination.

...More
What is Picton known for?

Picton is best known as the South Island harbor for ferries crossing the Cook Strait to or from Wellington. It’s also known as the largest town in the Marlborough Sounds region.

...More
What to do in Picton in the rain?

When it’s raining in Picton, hang out in a cafe or bar while watching the ferries dock, browse the shops and boutiques, or check out the museums. There’s the Edwin Fox Museum, where a preserved 19th-century merchant ship sits, and the smaller Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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Can you swim in Picton?

Yes, parts of Picton are suitable for swimming. Head to Shelley Beach, east of the Picton Foreshore, to find a safe swimming area marked off from boat traffic.

...More
What is in Picton for kids?

When the weather’s fine, kids can enjoy playing at the Picton Memorial Park Playground at the foreshore, where there are many rides and a mock pirate ship. Next door is the Round ‘a’ Mini Golf course, with paid entry. The Edwin Fox Museum can also be fun for kids, who can step on board a preserved 19th-century merchant ship.

...More

Picton information

Number of Attractions

3

Number of Tours

44

Number of Reviews

2,064

Currency

NZD
Frequently Asked Questions
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