Our Town
Picton has plenty of activities to entertain all types to travellers. Take a look below at some of our favourites
Queen Charlotte Track
One of Picton's biggest draws is the famous Queen Charlotte Track. Stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, this 73.5 km track is suitable for cyclists or walkers and typically takes up to 5 days to complete.
The track has been maintained by the department of conservation (DOC) since the mid 1980's though the history of the area and it's different paths dates back much earlier.
Whether you intend to discover the whole track or just sections of it we recommend visiting the official website and booking accommodations in advance.
And don't forget, The Boathouse Lodge has indoor bike storage as well as a bike wash station for its guests to use at the end of the trip if they found the track to be muddy.
More Hiking and Biking
The Link Pathway
Walk or bike the 42km between Picton and Havelock or choose one its shorter sections for an easy day walk. This track was a community lead project and continues to run on the support of volunteers.
Esson's Valley Tracks
Starting from the same point in south Picton, choose to walk 3 km (45 mins) to either Humphries Dam or Barnes Dam.
At Humphries Dam, a picnic area is provided beside the lake formed by the dam. By night glow worms may be seen at various points approximately halfway along the walk.
Tirohanga Track
A must do walk in Picton is Tirohanga Track, a good climb up through bush that offers views of Picton, Waikawa and the Marlborough Sounds. It only takes about 45 minutes to reach the top lookout, where you can take in the panoramic views.
Victoria Domain Tracks
Victoria Domain is a reserve and essentially the "island" peninsula that divides Picton and Waikawa. Featuring many walking and biking tracks from easy to advanced, there is something to suit everyone.
Walking Tracks
Bob's Bay has an upper and a lower track, they're both moderate grade and will take about 20mins one-way. Walk from Shelly Beach, take a picnic and have a swim while you're there, it's a popular spot and great for kids.
The Snout takes you all the way out to the tip of the peninsula where you can take in the amazing views of Queen Charlotte Sound. Allow about 2 hours each way. You can either start at the carpark at the top of Victoria Domain (accessible via the Sussex St entrance) or you can carry on from Bob's Bay.
Biking Tracks
According to Marlborough Mountain Bike Club, these trails are a 'must do' while in Picton!
Ridgeline Traverse the hillside just below the ridgeline on the eastern side links onto Westside.
Westside Fast fun and flowy with views over the sounds.
GDS A challenging short downhill blast through native forest, a real test in the wet.
Kanuka Track Continue on from the end of Westside, riding a further 3.5kms to the end of the snout. A great family trail.
Annex and the Doctor Advanced downhill trails of short duration.
Land and Sea Activities
Picton Foreshore and Beach
Take a walk down to the foreshore for a swim, picnic under the palms, or let your children explore the playground and wet play area.
Round 'A' Mini Golf
Play a round at Picton's iconic waterfront minigolf!
View the historic ship that carried troops throughout the Crimean War and is one of the last remaining Australian convict ships.
The museum contains historical collections from Picton and the Sounds dating back to the 1700s plus a comprehensive display of the history of whaling
Swimming with dolphins or whale watching? E-Ko Tours has plenty of activities for you to choose from.
Beachcomber offers scenic trips all around the Marlborough Sounds. You can also book them as a pick up/drop off while you explore parts of the Queen Charlotte Track.
Fancy a trip where it's all organise for you? MSAC offer multi-day trips for walking, biking, and sea kayaking the Marlborough Sounds with all water transfers and accommodations done for you. MSAC also offer kayak and bike hire for you to adventure on your own as well.
Just a 20 minute boat ride from Picton, Lochmara Lodge is a slice of paradise. Whether it's a day trip or a longer stay, the Lodge has plenty to offer with kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, art walks, full restaurant, and couples activities.
Eat and Drink
Open 7 days
Restaurant, Bar, and Live Music Venue
Open Thursday-Monday
Cafe, Restaurant, and Bar
Open 7 days
Cafe and Bar
Open 7 days
Cafe, Restaurant, and Bar
Open 7 days til late
Bar, Restaurant and Live Music Venue
Open 7 days
Dine-in, Takeaway, and Live Music Venue
Open early 7 days
Cafe and Casual Dining
Open 7 days
Desserts, Dine-in or Takeaway
Open early 7 days
Fast Food, Dine-in or Takeaway
Onward Travel
Whether your journey takes you north or south there are plenty of ways to get yourself in and out of Picton.
Interislander
The Interislander is New Zealands largest passenger ferry connecting Picton in the South Island with our capital, Wellington, in the North Island. Crossings run four times a day and take around 3.5 hours.
Bluebridge
The Bluebridge is another ferry line connecting Wellington and Picton carrying both passengers and freight. The Bluebridge runs up to four times a day depending on the season and also takes 3.5 hours to cross the strait.
If you don't have a private vehicle to get you into the Marlborough Sounds catch a water taxi!
Picton Water Taxis
On demand transport services for the entire Marlborough Sounds with space for your bikes and kayaks too.
Cougar Line
Cougar line offers timetabled transport to bays around the Marlborough Sounds. You can also charter or book a day cruise.
Other ways to travel around New Zealand from Picton...
Coastal Pacific Train
Picton train station is just a few doors down from The Boathouse Lodge, choose the scenic way to head south to Christchurch with the Coastal Pacific Train line
Intercity
Intercity buses connects towns and cities all across New Zealand. Multiple services run to Blenheim and Nelson every day with more going further afield.
Sounds Air
Sounds Air connects the top of the North Island with the bottom of the South by short air connections. Shuttles run between Picton Foreshore and the airfield for each flight.