Positioned in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand, as the gateway to the awe-inspiring Marlborough Sounds, the picturesque seaside town of Picton is the perfect starting point for discovering the surrounding areas.

The famous Sounds comprise four major inlets and Picton is right by the head of Queen Charlotte Sound.

Catch a water taxi over to the Sound or even to Wellington on the North Island, but not before uncovering all there is to see and the many things to do in Picton.

The South Island city is built around its harbor; many of the activities and attractions revolve around the waterfront, with seaside restaurants and cute cafes lining the wharf. Day trips or boat tours depart from here too.

Venturing further into the region, embark on a journey to the nearby vineyards for an afternoon of wine tasting, cruise down rivers where Sir Peter Jackson stood with his crew filming The Hobbit, and hunt down secluded beach bays worlds away.

Waitohi (its Māori name) is a trove for the outdoor adventurer … Trail the famous Queen Charlotte Track or opt for the road less traveled on one of the other many hiking/biking trails, leading to ever-verdant hills, lush native forests and glistening coastline vistas.

Appreciate Mother Nature’s finest at the sanctuaries, nature reserves and during dolphin-watching expeditions.

From the theater to museums to art galleries, enjoy a quaint cultural fix too — there’s something in Picton for everyone, not just mermaids and sailors!

1 – Pretend to sail the seven seas at the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, Picton

Picton and its port is a hub of oceanic endeavors and many of the things to do in Picton revolve around its maritime features.

It makes total sense that the city has attractions that dive deeper into this side, but the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum is not your usual gallery …

Although there is a small museum set up, the hero is an old-time sailing ship — which just happens to be the oldest merchant ship … in the world! How wild is that? Docked on land next to the museum, you can board the deck and explore the actual boat itself too!

Arriving here, start inside the museum hall where artifacts and other visual aids like a short documentary explain the vessel’s history. You’ll also hear about early immigration endeavors in Australia and New Zealand, and the wooden antique was one of the first to bring over immigrants to the country.

Then, it’s onto the most fun part — boarding the boat! Reimagine what life of a sailor was like centuries ago, and head into the hull to explore the ins and outs of the ship and its preserved features. Take the wooden wheel and pretend to be the captain of your destiny!

Important to note, the boat hasn’t been restored, but rather kept in its original state, but this only adds extra authenticity.

Also here is a 100-year-old Marlborough clinker dinghy.

2 – Chill out at Picton Memorial Park

Picton Memorial Park, New Zealand

Since the 1950s, Picton Memorial Park has served as a recreational space for residents and remains popular for exercising, playing sports with the kids or enjoying a picnic on the big park green.

Divided into two sections, the first half is a flat piece of land (that used to be a tidal lagoon) and major city events take place here, from concerts to charity dog walks.

Around the second half is where the Picton Foreshore reserve sits, along with direct access to Shelly Beach, Waikawa Foreshore, Victoria Domain and the War Memorial.

Discover a Water Play Area and a playground complex that kids absolutely love — or let them ride the mini model Picton Miniature Trains.

Stroll along the beachfront boardwalk, work on your tan on the grassy areas or down on the sands, or cool off in the ocean (opposite Picton Foreshore).

Dedicated to the lost lives of the soldiers that fought in World War II, pay your respects at the War Memorial, which was erected in 1954 and has stood here in the park ever since.

Conveniently placed in the city center, many must-visit attractions and sites are close by like Round ‘a’ Mini Golf and the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

3 – Go kayaking

kayaking in Picton

If the ocean is your happy place, ditch the walking trails and navigate the waters surrounding Picton during kayaking excursions!

There are loads to choose from, depending on where and what you’d like to sightsee.

With Marlborough Sounds right here, many choose to venture around these parts on either a full or half-day adventure.

In the space of seven hours, cruise around the Marlborough Sounds, or opt for a kayaking tour that focuses on one particular area of the Sounds, like the Queen Charlotte Sound (the easiest to reach from Picton).

Departing from Picton harbor, paddle into secluded bays, witness dolphins playing in the waves, look out for little penguins or spot the aquatic cormorant dipping its head in the water. Become more familiar with your surroundings thanks to your guide sharing local titbits and history about the region and its native wildlife.

A different option is to veer off from Anakiwa to around Mistletoe Bay. Or, for something completely different, choose a kayaking tour down the Pelorus River, stopping off to swim in waterfalls and natural rock pools with a picnic on the banks to add the cherry.

kayaking in Picton

4 – Stop by the Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum

Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum

Run by the Picton Historical Society, step back in time — or uncover your ancestry DNA if you believe your family hails from this part of New Zealand — at the Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum.

Shining a light on the history of Picton and the Marlborough Region, there are plenty of interesting curios, fossils, relics and antiques on display, covering the walls, splurged across tables or even hanging from the ceiling, from real whale teeth to vintage furniture belonging to pioneer families to wooden carvings to primitive hunting tools and even wartime artillery.

Its permanent collections also contain photographs, manuscripts, old recordings and books by Kiwi authors.

Other than focusing on local stories dating from the 1700s until the 20th century, the museum also highlights the history of whaling. Up until 1978, hunting whales was still legal in New Zealand.

Thankfully today, it’s illegal and a serious crime equalling jail time!

The Museum can also help you track and trace your lineage.

5 – Journey around Queen Charlotte Sound

Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand

Sitting on the very tippy top of the South Island is one of New Zealand’s most treasured natural wonders consisting of four inlets in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Introducing Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, Pelorus, and Mahau Sounds — each offering something unique and different to enjoy — and you can choose to adventure around the ocean passages either on foot, by bike or from the water.

The Queen Charlotte Sound is a good starting point, situated the closest to Picton. Trek its famous Queen Charlotte Track, kayak the bays or boat trip over to the Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary.

Stay overnight at one of the lodges or resorts, or if you don’t have too much time to spare, consider joining one of the day cruises around Tōtaranui (its Maori name), departing from Picton.

During the water adventure, sail around its secluded bays and caves, like Double Cove, Lochmara Bay and Onahau Bay.

Other activities to try out here include mountain biking, exploring Ship Cove, boating around its Grove Arm and Okiwa Bay, or helicopter flights over the Sound.

Queen Charlotte Sound tours

6 – Hike Tirohanga Track for the best city views up top

Tirohanga Track, Picton

Sweep up views of Picton from above with an easy walk along the Tirohanga Track, summiting to the pinnacle of Hilltop View.

Compared to some of the other walking trails around Picton, this one is pretty laid-back and even though you’ll be ambling uphill, the walk up is not hectic, nor an overly long climb.

In fact, most make it up to the top in under one hour (a few even in 45 minutes), covering roughly one kilometer through Picton’s native forest. Once you reach the summit, be rewarded with panoramic views of the city, Waikawa Bay and the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Start the walk on the Tirohanga Track from either Garden Terrace road or Newgate Street. Once at Hilltop View, choose to walk back the way you came or down the other side of the hill, ending at the opposite entry point.

(Another pretty walk that is accessible from Garden Terrace is the Essons Valley trail.)

If you can work it into your daily plan, try to organize the walk around sunrise or sunset hour for unparalleled vistas — and photographs!

7 – Walk amidst native nature at the Kaipupu Sanctuary

Kaipupu Sanctuary, New Zealand

Separated from city traffic, any form of noise pollution and the growing crowds visiting Picton, Kaipupu Sanctuary is a true haven for nature lovers, preserving and showcasing the region’s native wildlife.

Established on its own land mass, to reach the conservatory you are required to catch a 10-minute boat ride across from Picton (or kayak here), but to visit the sanctuary is completely free.

Protected by a 600-meter-long fenced-off predator-protecting boundary, this has allowed the local flora and fauna to flourish over the years since it was first established back in 2005.

Set up as a means of regenerating endangered species, the best way to explore Kaipupu is along the 2.7-kilometer circular track (which takes about 45 minutes) through the ancient beech and tawa forest.

Keep an eye open for bellbirds, tūī, the shining bronze cuckoo, the striking sacred kingfisher, morepork owls, and even native little penguins and New Zealand fur seals.

Apart from the self-guided walks, there are educational experiences presented by Kaipupu Sanctuary. During the Kaipupu Experience, become acquainted with the animals and plants that call the area home and some of the threats and dangers that they face, learn more about local ecosystems, and get educated on conservation methods.

Kaipupu Sanctuary tours

8 – Grab a cuppa at the best coffee shops

coffee shops in Picton

Coffee addicts, if you can’t let the day go by without at least one excellent cup of coffee — guilty — here are the best coffee shops in Picton for a refuel, or a quick bite to eat.

Toastie Picton is a super funky little spot that knows how to make a mean (strong) coffee, whether iced or hot. Don’t leave without ordering one of their extra gooey, cheesy, stringy toasties!

The breakfasts are banging, the views stunning and the coffee damn fine at Seabreeze Cafe & Bar, located on London Quay.

Unpretentious and open for brekkie and lunch, pick from the coffees on the chalkboard menu at Gusto Cafe, serving the classics whether it’s a flat white or spiced chai latte.

The coffee is the hero of Le Café, and its sometimes slow service is all forgiven once you’re seated and overlooking the ocean.

Grab a coffee on the go, as well as one of their scrumptious pies or other baked treats at Bakehouse Cafe, or let the smells of freshly baked bread and roasted coffee lead the way into Picton Village Bakkerij (established in 2001).

9 – Play a Round ‘a’ Mini Golf

Round a Mini Golf, Picton

Holidaying with kids and hunting down family-friendly things to do in Picton? Who’s up for a Round ‘a’ Mini Golf?

Head down to the oceanside, grab a set of clubs and balls and have all of the fun trying to score a hole-in-one around its 18-hole course.

Of course, children love this particular outing, and the outdoor attraction is conveniently located by Picton Foreshore — if they want to play in the park afterward whilst you relax, feel free!

The mini putt putt course is designed around a small garden of hedges, rockery boundaries and herbaceous leaves.

Plus, there’s a cute red Merry-Go-Round for kids under the age of 12 years old.

10 – Spend the morning at Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach, Picton

Get your snorkel on down at the tranquil Shelly Beach — favored for its super shallow, calm waters.

Families with young children often bring their kids here because of its waveless makeup, and it’s one of Picton’s great swimming beaches. The nearest beach to the city center is another reason why it’s a popular spot for taking a refreshing dip in the ocean.

The bay runs in a semicircle, with a grassy area lined in palm trees behind its shoreline — an awesome option for setting up a picnic without the interference of sand!

Also from Shelly Beach is one of the starting points for the Snout Track, and from the beach, you can continue further on to Bob’s Bay.

Enjoy spending quality time with your little ones building sandcastles, playing a round of good ol’ fashion bat and ball, working on your frisbee throwing skills, and lapping up the TLSea.

Accessed via the Picton Marina, you can walk to the beach from town in five minutes.

11 – You have to go rafting along the magical Pelorus River

rafting in Picton

Forming part of the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is the Pelorus River and its iconic Bridge — throttled into worldwide recognition after a few scenes were shot here during the making of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

Located between Blenheim and Nelson, the river is enveloped by lowland forestry where beech and podocarp trees grow tall.

Also known as Te Hoiere, the river flows down from the Richmond Range, with its mouth landing in the Pelorus Sound.

There are kayaking tours down the crystal-clear waters of the Pelorus River which is one of the best ways to sightsee the landscapes in between.

Over the course of five hours, cruise down the tributary with a professional guide leading the way, with the opportunity to break on the riverbanks, hop out your kayak and inspect the forest on foot.

If you’re a serious J.R. Tolkien fan, there is even a special ‘Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour’ where you’ll be steered to the exact site where filming for the second movie of the three The Hobbit trilogies took place.

Learn behind-the-scenes information, and also more about your surroundings, including local history pertaining to the mining Gold Rush in nearby Havelock.

rafting in Picton

12 – Have a picnic at Bob’s Bay Reserve

Bob’s Bay Reserve, Picton

Calling all couples looking for a secluded beach day! Escape the crowds and make your way to Bob’s Bay Reserve where the only way to reach the shoreline is on foot.

That’s right … Although a somewhat known locale, tourists and locals (especially those with young children) prefer other beaches over Bob’s, as to reach it you will need to trek down to the beach, with two different options to do so.

But the adventure-loving souls don’t mind, and the quiet and calm atmosphere is totally worth it once you’re here — an ideal spot to journal, sunbathe or lie in your lover’s arms under the New Zealand sunshine.

How to get here? From Shelly Beach, amble along a straightforward path where the footpath ascends uphill at one point, following the coastline, before you descend down to the bay. (This is referred to as the “upper track”.)

A second option is to drive to the Snout Track car park, leave your car here and then walk downhill toward Bob’s, eventually leading onto the sands. (This is known as the “lower track.”)

Popular for swimming and kayaking, take caution in the ocean as its depths get pretty deep pretty fast!

13 – Boat over to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, New Zealand

Avid bird watchers, did you know that close to Picton is an entire island that acts as a protective reserve for our native winged creatures? Perched in the waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound, Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary is a true natural oasis.

Nature lovers really appreciate the setting and extreme efforts have been put into the conservation project. The island is now officially predator-free meaning there are no other critters, pests and rodents roaming the land mass that affect the life cycle of New Zealand’s birds.

The result is a thriving habitat — including its lush sustainable low forest — and since 1920, the island has been an official reserve.

Listen out for birds singing, flying above or nesting in the trees … Or walk to the lookout point with a set of binoculars and see which species you can spot.

Native South Island saddleback (tīeke), Okarito brown kiwis (the national nocturnal bird), yellow-crowned parakeets, bellbirds, tūīs, robins, fantails, grey warblers (riroriro), kererūs (New Zealand pigeon) and silvereyes (tauhou) are some of the birds that call the sanctuary home.

Seabirds to look out for are king shags, little blue penguins, white-faced herons, gannets, terns, shearwaters, kingfishers and oystercatchers.

To reach Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, day-trip here via boat and the ride from Picton to the isle is about one hour.

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary tours

14 – Enjoy a night out at the Picton Little Theatre

Picton Little Theatre, New Zealand

Get your cultural fix at the Picton Little Theatre where plays, standup comedy nights and intimate music gigs take center stage!

Seating fewer than 100 audience members (99 is the limit to be precise), the theater is super intimate, to say the least, but its small size means nothing, and the building holds extreme historical and significant importance.

Still sometimes called by its OG title, Foresters’ Hall, the building where the theater has sat was first built in the mid-1880s. The decades following saw the hall utilized for political meetings, social events, grand receptions, and during WWII, a recruiting station.

Fast-forward to 1953 and the Picton Drama Club was established — but not yet in its permanent abode, but by 1964, the theater company leased the Foresters’ Hall building from the New Zealand Labour Party, and the Little Theatre was born!

(The theater company finally bought the building in 1982.)

Check out their lineup online to see what’s happening this month, and the theater puts on about one show per month.

15 – Chill at pretty Governors Bay Beach

Governors Bay Beach, New Zealand

Picton is blessed with a wonderful coastline which means that there’s a beach here to suit every type!

Another isolated reprieve, Governors Bay Beach is easier to reach than some of the other secluded bay options, situated in the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound.

To get to the picturesque golden sandy bay, drive from Picton along Queen Charlotte Drive (a road running between the towns of Picton and Havelock) until you reach the Governors Bay Track.

From here, follow the trail for roughly 15 minutes (depending on how quickly you walk it can take between seven and 10 minutes too) which leads directly to the beach.

A curving strip of shoreline (only a couple meters wide) lies in front of a calm, pristine bay, with a forestry of trees as a backdrop behind you. The ocean usually remains flat and so swimming here is popular — but there are no lifeguards around so take caution.

Forming part of a DOC (Department of Conservation) Scenic Reserve, the area here is always clean, whether talking shoreline or the water. You will need to bring all amenities if you plan on spending a couple of hours at Governors Bay as there is nothing in sight but Mother Nature.

Pack plenty of drinking water, sunblock, beach towels, and anything else you might need for the ultimate beach day.

16 – Don’t miss out on a day trip to Marlborough

Marlborough, New Zealand

Wine snobs listen up; New Zealand’s biggest wine-producing region is a short 45-minute car ride away from Picton, sitting in the valleys of the Marlborough Region.

A fantastic destination for couples, foodies and explorers, there is something for everyone, and with the Marlborough Sounds located right here, it wins on the landscaping front too.

Kick things off with wine tours along its wine trail, touring vineyards and sampling wine in the cellars. There are also half-day food tours that combine wine-tasting with food pairings, stopping at numerous wineries for the excursion.

If you’re not the biggest vino-lover, there are craft beer distilleries and even boutique gin producers in the region to visit.

It would be ludicrous to travel to Marlborough and not journey into the famous Marlborough Sounds, and Marlborough boat tours are the most popular cruises to embark on from Picton. Step things up a notch and join a seafood cruise around Marlborough Sounds’ Queen Charlotte Sound, where you’ll feast on freshly caught salmon, clams, mussels and more.

Apart from the Queen Charlotte Sound, there are three others to explore. Pelorus Sound is the biggest of the four. Show off your fishing skills, kayak on the water with mountain ranges encircling you and catch a boat ride over to D’Urville Island. On land, embark on a scenic walk to Nydia Bay and visit the Pelorus Rivers.

(The town of Havelock is a ten-minute drive from here, accessed via the Pelorus Bridge.)

Linking up to Pelorus is Kenepuru Sound, quieter than the others and home to two major resorts located in Te Mahia Bay and Portage Bays. Mahau Sound is perhaps the most untouched and there are a few accommodation options as well as camping grounds here for travelers seeking freedom in nature, far from the comforts of modern-day living.

Marlborough tours from Picton

17 – Learn something new with a Paua Pearl tour

Paua Pearl Tour, Picton

Fun fact: Paua Pearls are indigenous to New Zealand, found inside the NZ paua (a type of abalone), and unlike the common milky pearl, this version of the prized pearl (that grows in the mollusk’s inner shell) is actually blue in color — and extremely rare!

Now, guess what? You can catch a glimpse of the rarities during a Paua Pearl Tour to Arapawa Island — close to the Queen Charlotte Sound.

An additional interesting morsel; Arapawa used to be a booming whaling base up until the 1960s. In its place, many oyster, mussel and salmon farms were set up, particularly in Whekenui Bay.

With a dedicated tour, depart from Picton on a boat to the pearl farm and learn all about the precious Blue Pearl, from farming and harvesting methods to the history of paua pearls in Aotearoa.

Enjoy a tour around the farm led by the owners of Arapawa Seafarms and get to scope out different shaped and sized pearls in person, seeing their various stages of growth. The excursion is approximately one hour.

Heading back to Picton, drop off at Brereton Blue Pearls — a local jeweler that crafts handmade jewels from paua pearls! Purchase your own to take home, reminding you of your time in New Zealand every time you wear them.

18 – Hike the sublime Queen Charlotte Track

Queen Charlotte Track, New Zealand

Lace-up your walking shoes, pack your binoculars and make way for the prized Queen Charlotte Track where the landscapes and wildlife of the Marlborough Sounds are on full display!

Comprising a walking trail of 73.5 kilometers (one way), the entire outdoor track can be done over the span of a couple of days, but there are shorter trails to tackle if you’re not the biggest hiker.

(Alternatively, instead of trampling on foot, cycle the Queen Charlotte Track along the designated biking trail. Covering more ground in a shorter space of time, you’re able to complete the full 73.5 kilometers in one day, but endurance and great fitness levels are required.)

Find yourself dazzled by the local fauna and flora between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds (where the track runs), and en route are plenty of historical landmarks to check out.

The trail starts from Ship Cove and ends in Anakiwa, but you have the option to walk the mini trails during day ventures. Examples of these short walks include the two-hour trail from Anakiwa to Davies Bay; a three-hour trek from Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay; the four-hour Head of Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay walk; or the full-day Anakiwa to Te Mahia Saddle Lookout track (eight hours in total).

If you are set on trekking the entire Queen Charlotte Track, the multiple-day walk can be divided into track sections.

From Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet takes roughly 5.5 hours, covering 17 kilometers. Endeavour Inlet to Camy Bay is a four-hour stint along an 11.5-kilometer trail. Camp Bay to Torea Saddle is the longest stretch clocking in 24.5 kilometers (roughly eight hours to complete).

Torea Saddle to Mistletoe Bay takes about four hours along an eight-kilometer stretch. Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa is roughly four hours, sweeping in 12.5 kilometers. Drive here from Picton or catch a water ferry taxi from Picton directly to Ship Cove.

hiking in Picton

19 – Spend the day in Havelock

Havelock, New Zealand

From Picton, many travelers opt to head to Havelock next thanks to its ideal positioning at the top of Pelorus Sound. Located at the confluence of the Pelorus and Kaituna River mouths, it acts as a gateway to the largest of the Sounds.

Famous for being the “Greenshell Mussel Capital of the world,” the laid-back town has tons to offer other than just boat trips into the Marlborough Sounds.

A former mining hub during the 19th century Gold Rush, many of the original buildings remain from when the town was first established in 1858, oozing colonial charm. Today, many of the original structures have been converted into quaint stays, cute restaurants, museums and even art galleries.

Set in an old church, the Havelock Museum is an excellent starting point, displaying local history and cultural facts through its exhibitions.

Get inspired at the galleries such as The Gallery Havelock and the interesting Shark Nett Gallery.

Outdoor adventures are tenfold too … Go kayaking down the Pelorus River, play in the rock pools, go chasing waterfalls and check out the site where some of The Hobbit scenes were filmed.

Take a charter out to the Sounds, join a special mussel fishing expedition or board the famous Mail Boat Cruise around Pelorus Sound.

On land, there are a handful of walking trails, many of the tracks running between Picton and Havelock, for example, the Cullen Point Track, the Link Pathway or the Pelorus Bridge Walks.

Oh, and you simply cannot visit Havelock and not try its famous green mussels!

20 – Journey from Picton to Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific Train

Coastal Pacific Train, Picton

Chugging along a pristine coastline between Picton and Christchurch (or vice-versa), there’s something so alluring about the idea of a train journey. Forget about driving or flying and instead embark on the Coastal Pacific Train and revel in the awe-inspiring scenery en route — keep your camera close on hand.

Sweeping past outlying beaches, isolated bays, mountain ranges, vineyards and unique coastlines, the landscape sightseeing doesn’t get better than this!

In one day you’ll pass through Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura and Christchurch — in that order.

From Picton, crawl through the rolling vineyards and wineries of the Wairau Valley close to Blenheim and further past Marlborough. Gasp at the saltwater Lake Grassmere (famous for its pink-colored waters in the summer) about 40 kilometers outside of Blenheim.

Drift past the Kaikōura Coastline, passing mountains and oceans, cruising through Canterbury before finally arriving in Christchurch. (If you’re traveling from Christchurch to Picton, simply swap the route around.)

There are regular coach carts, or for something a little bit more comfortable, book a Scenic Class Carriage instead for the journey, traveling across the South Island in style.

There are also Open-air Viewing Carriages. With the wind blowing through your hair, relish in the moment and cherish the vistas from these outdoor viewing decks.

Coastal Pacific Train tours

21 – Cycle or walk the Link Pathway

Link Pathway, New Zealand

Not only figuratively but literally linking up the towns and cities of Picton, Havelock, Anakiwa village and Marlborough’s Queen Charlotte Track, the 42-kilometer-long Link Pathway offers a unique way to venture in between the locales.

With the option to either walk or cycle the track, on foot the total connected pathway takes around six hours to complete.

A project in the making since 2005, the Link Pathway is finally complete, and between now and then, its different sections have been linked one at a time.

The idea surfaced after locals expressed a desire to connect local communities once more following the discovery of four old-school bridle paths, believed to have been utilized by the first European settlers transporting goods between villages and towns.

It’s another track where you can choose to begin in Picton and end in Havelock or the other way around.

The first part of the Link Pathway was completed in Havelock so let’s begin here. From Havelock, set off on the track near the Mahakipawa Arm, which connects to the Queen Charlotte Track.

Traverse through Anakiwa and onto Momorangi Bay before finally finishing in Picton.

22 – Enjoy dolphin watching cruises

dolphin watching in Picton

For those travelers that hail from landlocked cities, the thought of seeing the most intelligent mammal in the animal kingdom up close is enough to give you goosies – in the best way possible.

So, do take advantage when you’re in a country like New Zealand and from Picton, dolphin watching is totally achievable!

Meet at the Picton waterfront where these magical tours begin, then board your boat and set sail into the Marlborough Sounds, more specifically, the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Cruising around the inlets, keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose, dusky, common, and Hector’s dolphins as well as orcas, and other magnificent marine species known to live around the Sounds, like cute New Zealand fur seals or little penguins — native to the country as well.

Lap up the bird watching too as aquatic species swoop overhead or flit about on the waters around you, especially in the area close to the Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary.

Choose between a two-hour or four-hour dolphin-watching expedition, and before any tours begin, a safety briefing is mandatory. Remember, our sea creatures are precious, so treat dolphins with respect at all times as they play in the waves around you.

dolphin watching in Picton

23 – Join a class at Port Marlborough Pavilion

Port Marlborough Pavilion, Picton

Get your fitness on at the Port Marlborough Pavilion offering a wide range of exercise and movement classes, all fixtures on a different day of the week so you can join as many as you like!

From pilates to yoga, tai chi, drama play shows, table tennis, bridge, FDF hip-hop and tumble tots, there is a class for everyone and all ages!

The multi-purpose venue is equipped with three separate rooms, a boardroom, an on-site kitchen, change room facilities and a well-kept garden green. Sports matches, community events and conferences are held here often.

Home grounds of the Waitohi Rugby, Picton Football, Picton Cricket Club and the Picton Bridge Club, there are also outdoor courts utilized for netball and tennis, and the field is where the rugby and footy (soccer) action kicks off, also converted to a cricket playing field.

There are three primary spaces (available to rent for private functions too) inside the pavilion including the Main Room (seating capacity of 200), the Regal Room and the Ora King Room — both with seating capacities between 80 and 200 depending on the setup.

Community Groups that convene here include the Picton Lions Club and the Picton Maritime Festival.

24 – Trek The Snout track

The Snout Track, New Zealand

The walking tracks around Picton seem endless and The Snout is an extra one to add to your list!

Boasting undulating views of Queen Charlotte Sound and all of the coastline beauty, you don’t have to be super fit to do this walk, and unlike some of the others, there are no real uphill battles.

Make your way to Endeavour Park in Victoria Domain and begin at the Snout Track car park (above the park).

From here, amble on over to the Queen Charlotte View lookout point and further on until you reach the head of the peninsula.

Other popular Picton walking trails cross this track at some point, so you can also detour off along these trails for extra sightseeing or an extended walk. These include the Lower and Upper Bob’s Bay Tracks.

Spot amazing flora and fauna along the way like wild mushrooms growing on tree bark and fantails leaving their footprints in the hard sandy pathway.

25 – Catch a boat ride to Ship Cove

Ship Cove, New Zealand

Steeped in Māori heritage, history and legends as well as the once-base for Captain James Cook, walk in the footsteps of ancestors and the world-famous explorer at Ship Cove.

Accessible by boat only, the protected bay sits at the entrance of Queen Charlotte Sound and you can catch a boat ride from Picton straight here.

There is a small shoreline and bay where you can relax or cool off, as well as a grass area for picnickers.

A short wooden boardwalk leads into the water and this is where boats dock and passengers hop off onto the pier. It can get quite busy sometimes as it’s the starting point for the iconic Queen Charlotte Track.

Those keen on a bit of exercise, from Ship Cove, walk to the Lookout in under 45 minutes — at the entrance to the beach is a visitor’s board outlining the possible trails from Ship Cove and the time it takes for each.

You can swim in the crystal clear waters, but again, there are no designated lifeguards on duty, so be careful and look out for the water taxis!

As a homage to Captain Cook, two monuments were built behind the sands on the grass area, one in 1913 and the other in 1920. Furthermore, three carved wooden Pouwhenua posts were added, honoring Kupe — the first Polynesian explorer to uncover the islands of New Zealand — and other local Māori tribes.

They also symbolize one of the first interactions between the Māori and European settlers in the area.

Ship Cove tours

26 – Check out your surroundings from above during scenic flights

scenic flights in Picton

One for the professional photographers, couples searching for something special or anyone with limited time in Picton, scenic flights are a fantastic way to appreciate your local surroundings from a bird’s eye view.

Covering the areas around Picton including the famous Marlborough Sounds, the angles of the iconic Sounds from up above are incomparable … You actually get to see its true beauty as the Sounds, the various inlets and sandbanks create marbled streaks of blue hues.

Pelorus Air offers a range of scenic flights departing from Picton.

The shortest route is the 20-minute ‘Bays and Bush’ flight, soaring over sections of the Pelorus, Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds, as well as native New Zealand bush and the bays in between the waterways.

The ‘Water & Wilderness’ flight is 45 minutes and covers more terrain around the Marlborough Sounds including Te Anamāhanga (Port Gore), Cape Jackson, Ship Cove and over the Cook Strait.

You’ll also land on one of the beaches where you’ll disembark and have a short time to explore, before boarding your plane and heading back to Picton.

Spanning one hour and 15 minutes, the ‘Water, Wine and Wilderness’ flight is the longest and most diverse. Soar over Koromiko Valley and scope out the vineyards and rivers around Marlborough. Fly over Richmond Forest Park, Nelson and Tasman Bay before your final stretch across the Marlborough Sounds.

Apart from scenic flights, the flight operators offer travel between the coastal towns and cities, or you can be dropped off directly at the start of walking trails, for example, the Queen Charlotte Track or the Abel Tasman Track.

27 – Try out super fun trike tours

trike tours in Pcton — Credit to Marlborough & Picton Trike Tours @Facebook

Forget about the mundane … If you’re searching for exciting and extraordinary things to do in Picton, you can’t go wrong with trike tours!

If you’ve traveled to the Isle of Man or Cape Town, South Africa you may have heard of these types of ventures before, favored in destinations centered around the outdoors, and they’re offered right here in Picton too.

Hop into the three-wheeled vehicle, strap on your seatbelt (mandatory), and off you zoom through Picton to Karaka Point in Marlborough.

Feel pretty cool as you cruise the roads in a V8 Chevrolet trike with the wind in your hair and the open roads around you.

Not to be confused with a motorbike, the vehicle can seat up to three passengers, and you can drive the trike yourself or allow one of the pros to take the wheel.

Trike tours last 40 minutes.

trike tours in Pcton

28 – Play a round at the Picton Golf Club

Picton Golf Club, New Zealand

Perfect your backswing at Picton’s first golfing range, the nine-hole Picton Golf Club — founded in 1905!

Situated about 30 minutes from the city center (five kilometers south of Picton), with hillsides as your backdrop and giant trees lining the greens, you’ll feel worlds away which means more time to focus on the game.

Offering players a nine-hole course, most of the course is flat with two elevated tees only.

Picton’s oldest golfing range also hosts local golfing competitions with the season running between February and November, and outside players are more than welcome to join in if you think you have what it takes.

There are golf clubs available to rent for visitors to the area, as well as golf carts to get around the course.

29 – Stay over at the Holiday Parks

Holiday Parks, Picton

If you’re traveling on a budget, with the family or around New Zealand as a true solo adventurer, you might want to consider staying at a Holiday Park.

Super popular throughout the country, these accommodation grounds are designed with camping and caravan sites, cabins and self-catering units all in one space and their locations are usually immersed in nature.

The point really is to create a base for visitors where they don’t feel the need to leave their stay too often, equipped with facilities like BBQ pits and picnic tables. There are two awesome holiday parks in the area if this sounds up your alley!

Choose between caravan, campervan and tenting sites around the Waikawa Bay Holiday Park (located in Picton’s Waikawa Bay), or if you’ve arrived from overseas, their “quirky cabins” and self-contained units are wonderful options.

Alexanders Holiday Park is close to Essons Valley, enshrouded by native bush. Set up your tent or opt for one of the cabins to spend the night. This park is favored by travelers venturing into the Marlborough Sounds and with its harbor entrance, boat rides to and from here are super viable.

Built by the Waitohi Stream, you can swim in the dam — look out for glowworms on the banks when the sun sets — or embark on one of three bush walks from the holiday park.

30 – Rejuvenate at The Little Oasis spa

Little Oasis Spa, Picton

I mean, with the multitude of hikes, walks and water activities that Picton has to offer, surely after a long day nothing could be better than a relaxing massage or body therapy … And The Little Oasis is just the place.

Sit back, relax and enjoy its tranquil garden spa setting, which is open in the evening times too, and lit up in fairy lights.

The spa offers a range of classic treatments to choose from.

Book a 45-minute, one-hour or 90-minute massage with essential oils, and this is a great pick to soothe any aching body.

Or treat your skin instead to a facial — offered as 35-minute and 50-minute sessions, incorporating ingredients like Mamaku and kiwi fruit extract (high in vitamin E). Cleansing, exfoliation, a clay mask, toning, moisturizing and a head and neck massage are all included.

The spa also offers an Infrared Therapeutic Sauna known to help get rid of toxins as you sweat them all out at a rapid pace and sessions are 90 minutes.

Apart from the spa, you can stay at The Little Oasis too!

31 – Dine at the best restaurants

best restaurants in Picton

All the traversing is going to work up an appetite. Here are some of Picton’s top eateries.

Couples and foodies, Escape To Picton’s Restaurant is a fabulously romantic choice where you’ll be wooed by the food presentation and flavors! They also offer Afternoon High Tea on the weekends from 2 PM to 5 PM as well as yummy cupcake tastings!

The restaurant is headed by Executive Chef, Juliearna Kavanagh and is located inside the Escape To Picton boutique hotel.

With a menu inspired by South America and with seafood as a star, Cortado Restaurant & Bar is a local favorite. Whether you’re ordering a bunch of tapas to share, mains or pizza, the food is mouth-watering. Menus slightly change with the seasons.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, DA’s Barn Restaurant & Bar has a varied menu for every time of day, from pancakes for brekkie to lamb shank for supper. There is both indoor and outdoor dining available.

32 – Hit up the Picton Maritime Festival

Picton Maritime Festival

Occurring annually in the month of January during the peak of summer, the yearly Picton Maritime Festival is not to be missed if you’re here at this time of the year.

Around since 2006, this is one time of the year when the community convenes around the Picton Foreshore for a free two-day festival extravaganza of food, fun, music and of course, activities revolving around the water.

In essence, it’s a celebration of the locals and the Picton neighborhoods.

During the day, stalls are set up, live acts take the stage from jugglers to magicians and you can join in on the aquatic entertainment like raft races and playing on inflatables.

In the evening, musicians and bands show off their talents on stage and kids go absolutely bonkers for the nightly fireworks display illuminating the Picton sky.

33 – Order a round from the best bars and pubs

best bars and pubs in Picton

Let down your hair and enjoy an iced cold one at the best bars and pubs that Picton has to offer.

With its authentic feels from the grub to the Guinness, Seumus’ Irish Bar & Restaurant is always lively. In the warmer months a beer garden section opens up, or sit by the fire come winter. Live music fills the air on certain nights, show off your dart skills and take advantage of Happy Hour (Wednesday to Sunday from 4 PM to 6 PM).

Not just a local landmark, Oxley’s Bar & Kitchen is a great spot to enjoy a round of drinks with friends and is set up in a heritage building dating to the 1870s. Behind the bar are local and international beers on tap or by the bottle, and a great cocktail menu.

Another locale with an Irish twist — and friendly service — The Thirsty Pig Picton, is a classic pub, cue the old-school wooden interiors and the usual bar fare. Some argue they pour the best Guinness in town, but you’ll have to visit to be the judge of that one yourself.

Located in the heart of town The Crow Tavern’s claim to fame is they’re the only typical tavern in Picton! Always been a drinking hole since the building was first built in 1863, join for karaoke night or hit up the gaming room (there are nine slot machines). There are also two pool tables and two dart boards inside Picton’s oldest pub!

How to get to Picton?

Depending on where you are traveling from, there are multiple ways to reach Picton.

Drive directly here from other cities on the South Island, such as Christchurch (roughly 4.5 hours drive), Nelson (just under two hours away via car), or Blenheim the nearest town to Picton (30 minutes away).

There is a small airport in Picton but it only offers flights to nearby Wellington. Alternatively, if you’re already here, there are day trips from Wellington to Picton via the local ferries or speed boats between the two cities. Boat trips are roughly 3.5 hours.

(Find these water taxis down by the Picton Waterfront where they depart from.)

The nearest airport to Picton for domestic travel is Marlborough Airport Blenheim, operating regional flights to Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland and Paraparaumu (on the North Island).

Where to stay in Picton?

This little postcard-perfect town has plenty of wonderful stays, from waterfront locales to cute lodges or private apartments.

Situated on the waterfront, 4-star Harbour View Motel always wins for its location. Wake up to oceanic vistas from the comfort of your private studio, or apartment, and the center of town is just five minutes away.

Classy and elegant are two adjectives that spring to mind when you walk into Escape To Picton Boutique Hotel — a 5-star stay! From its freestanding tubs to plush beds to restaurant, this is an intimate option that’s great for couples.

Enjoy your morning coffee from your private balcony watching the yachts sail in every morning at Picton Beachcomber Inn — also on the harborfront, it’s a stone’s throw away from the water.

As its name suggests, Picton Waterfront Apartments is close to the harbor and is a two-minute walk from Picton Village. Couples especially love the fully-equipped, comfortable homes away from home.

Super cute, cozy and away from the hustle and bustle of the town center, the Waterfront Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful option for families, with the water’s edge a few steps from the front garden.

A place with personality, Enchanted Escape is an eclectically charming 5-star boutique stay with loads of attention to detail and with its own little spa pool and sauna too.

best hotels in Picton

Where to go next?

As endearing as Picton can be, there are many other things to do in New Zealand.

Located on the South Island, here are some of the coolest cities and towns to visit around this part of the country …

The closest city to Picton is Nelson (a two-hour drive). Straddling Tasman Bay, spend the weekend (or a day trip) exploring the South Island’s oldest town, rich in history, heritage and art!

There are plenty of things to do in Christchurch (4.5 hours from Picton). Rebuilding much of the inner city after the 2011 earthquake, it’s a gorgeous mix of old meets new, and many activities revolve around the Avon River (running through the town).

With the Southern Alps as a constant backdrop, Queenstown really is beautiful. An outdoor adventure hotspot; spend the day around the lakes, go river rafting, hike the mountain ranges, and in winter, take advantage of the skiing and snowboarding opportunities!

Prefer to travel off the beaten track? Both Wanaka (sitting just above Queenstown and nine hours from Picton) and Te Anau (located 12 hours away if driving) are two sublime escapes.

A nature’s paradise for all; Wanaka is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park (forming part of the Southern Alps) and Te Anau for the Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.

Final thoughts

With the Marlborough Sounds on your doorstep, vineyards to one side, and coastal landscapes to the other, Picton is the perfect seaside town to make your base for this part of the South Island, or a picturesque locale to even visit during day trips from Nelson.

Have you ever visited Waitohi before? What were some of your best things to do in Picton whilst you traveled here, or favorite sites and scenery that you got to explore? Share with us in the comments, we love hearing from our readers.

As always, happy travels!

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33 Fun Things to Do in Picton, New Zealand