Picton/Waitohi, a seaside town in Marlborough, is widely known as the hub for the Interislander Ferry and offers great activities for a range of budgets. Here are 11 fun things to do in Picton whether you are visiting for a few hours, or staying several days.
1. Hike the Queen Charlotte Track
For stunning views of sandy bays, encounters with wild weka, and beautiful walks through native bush, you can’t go past the Queen Charlotte Track. This renowned 70km walking trail is a highlight of the Marlborough Sounds. Completing the track usually takes 3 days although doing a small section may also be possible- just make sure you book your water taxis and accommodation ahead of time. For more information, see the QC Track website.
2. Short Walks in and around Picton
Have a few hours in Picton and want to go for a stroll? Picton offers a number of scenic walks for all fitness levels. You can also bike many of the tracks. These include:
- Picton Marina to Waikawa Marina via Endeavour Park (easy, 1.5hrs return)
- Tirohanga Track (difficult, approx. 1.5hrs return, stunning harbour views)
- Waikawa Point Pā Track (easy, 10mins)
- Walks around Victoria Domain
- Visit the Picton Information Centre for maps and advice.
3. Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre
For an exciting over-water trip, jump onboard a water taxi at Picton and go a short distance to Lochmara Lodge. Stay for a day or several nights: there’s accommodation, a café, and heaps of activities: a luxurious bathhouse with coastal views (soothe those sore muscles after a hike), kayaks for hire, paddle boarding, swimming and even an underwater observatory.
Accommodation for this beautiful lodge fills up fast, so it’s best to book ahead. For booking, find Lochmara Lodge here on Expedia.
4. EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
EcoWorld is right on the waterfront beside the Edwin Fox Museum, very close to the ferry. Kids especially enjoy seeing tuatara, penguins, seahorses, fishes, and other marvellous creatures on display. EcoWorld functions as a rehabilitation centre for native wildlife and there are guided tours at set times each day.
Need an afternoon off? Drop in for a movie at Picton Cinema found inside EcoWorld. Open from 10am-5.30pm daily.
5. A hidden Gem: Picton Harbour Lookout
If you’re hoping to see some of New Zealand’s beautiful native birds, I have a secret tip for you … As you drive up the hill from Picton on Queen Charlotte Drive, you soon pass a lookout on the right with a handful of carparks. The dense boarder of harakeke (flax) here attracts native birds, particularly in summer when the flowers are in bloom. Grab your camera for amazing snaps of tui, korimako (bellbirds) and pahirini (chaffinches).
6. Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary is a mainland island, meaning it is separated from the rest of the land by a predator proof fence. It is only accessible by boat, about a 10-minute ride from Picton waterfront. The sanctuary is a community restoration project mostly run by volunteers, offering great wildlife viewing and a pleasant 2.7km walking track.
Admission is free and donations are encouraged to help support this project. See kaipupupoint.co.nz for more information. You will need to pay for transport (kayak, water taxi etc.) if you don’t have your own boat. You can book water taxis from the I-site.
7. Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
See the Edwin Fox, a large wooden vessel that is New Zealand’s last immigrant ship and the 9th oldest ship in the world. The museum has priceless artifacts and is an unmissable opportunity to learn about the maritime history of New Zealand.
Open every day except Christmas. Located on the waterfront near the ferry terminal, 1 Auckland Street.
8. Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum
A great way to learn about Picton’s past and the history of whaling in New Zealand. Plenty of interesting authentic artifacts on display.
Located by the waterfront playground (Picton’s Memorial Park) near the steps, 9 London Quay.
9. Kayak the Marlborough Sounds
A kayak is the key to access Marlborough’s remote coastlines and get off the beaten track. Imagine pulling up to a pristine beach and digging into a delicious picnic lunch as the waves lap at your toes. Picton has a number of kayak hire companies. You can choose whether to be self-guided or go on a tour.
NZ Sea Kayaking offers kayak hire from Anikiwa on the Queen Charlotte Drive.
Wilderness Guides NZ has kayaking on Picton waterfront along with different destinations in NZ. There are also other companies: see Google or visit your local I-Site.
10. Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise
This is repeatedly rated one of the top activities to do in Picton. The cruise includes a guided tour along the bays and inlets as mail is delivered to the remote communities of the Queen Charlotte Sound. The cruise takes about 4 hours and departs from Picton Waterfront. For more information and bookings, visit Beachcomber Cruises NZ.
11. Wine from the vine: Tours & Tastings
Ah, there’s nothing like a rich glass of red after a long day … Marlborough is one of the prominent wine regions of New Zealand, and if you take a short journey south, you’ll see vineyards stretching onto the horizon. Join a fun tasting tour departing from Picton to experience New Zealand’s premium wines in their natural setting. Alternatively, buy a bottle at a cellar door and return to your Picton holiday bach where you savour a glass and admire ocean views.
Many tour companies take you to Blenheim by bus, like Hop on Hop Off wine tours. For a memorable experience, why not combine tastings with a cruise? See Marlborough Wine Tours for more information.
other things you should know
Ready to compare your accommodation options? Discover a range of hotels and motels over at Expedia, who offer stays for every budget. For a more private experience (picture relaxing in a comfy Kiwi bach or holiday house), check out bookabach.
Travelling beyond Picton? Here’s some helpful guides:
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