|
 |
|
| Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand |
Picton is a small coastal town located at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound in the north-eastern area of New Zealand’s South Island. It is the main port of entry for inter-island ferries from Wellington, and as such attributes to Queen Charlotte Sound being the busiest of the waterways which make up the stunning Marlborough Sounds region. The town is also the northern terminus of the South Island’s main railway network with the TranzCoastal long-distance passenger train to Christchurch leaving daily, and is also the northern end of State Highway 1(SH1), the most significant road in New Zealand’s road network.
This picturesque town of approximately 3,000 residents overlooks the sparsely populated and idyllic area of the Marlborough Sounds which is comprised of a series of sunken valleys that create a network of tranquil clear waterways amidst native forests. This beautiful region is a popular tourist destination and is home to a plethora of wildlife which is a major attraction for visitors. The area also offers many outdoor activities such as fishing, walking, tramping, kayaking, sailing and cycling. One of the better known attractions is the popular and picturesque Queen Charlotte Track, a relatively easy 4 day tramp and mountain bike trail which curls around the coves and inlets, follows the ridges of the peninsula and offers fantastic views over the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. The walk usually begins at Ships Cove which has remained much as it was in 1770 when Captain Cook used this site as an anchorage.
For many visitors, Picton is their first sight of New Zealand’s South Island and offers accommodation, cafes, restaurants and a variety of retail services. The town is also ideally placed to be used as a base from which to explore this fantastic northern region which lies in close proximity not only to the Marlborough Sounds but also to New Zealand’s famous Marlborough wine region which is centred around Blenheim, the coastal town of Kaikoura which is the world’s finest whale watching location, the sunny town of Nelson which is known for its arts, crafts and fine foods, and a little further away, the scenic Nelson Lakes National Park.
While in Picton have a look at the Edwin Fox Maritime Centre which is reputable the oldest merchant sailing ship still afloat. The vessel lies at Dunbar Wharf and was built in Calcutta in 1853. She had a long and varied service life and at one time was used for the transportation of immigrants to New Zealand carrying in total 751 passengers during four voyages. Other attractions include the Smith Memorial Museum which is located on London Quay and has displays recalling Picton’s early days of whaling, the Seahorse World Aquarium at Dunbar Wharf, and for those who are a little more energetic the short hike known as the Snout Track which passes Victoria Domain, the Queen Charlotte Lookout and ends at the Snout which is a rocky promontory that overlooks Queen Charlotte Sound and Waikawa Bay.
|
|
| |
| Accommodation | Activities | Cruises | Tours |  |
|
Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds
Picton
 |  Formerly Yacht Club Hotel, the Mercure is located on Picton's stunning harbour. The hotel was recently refurbished and is within walking distance of the Picton town centre and foreshore. There is an award winning restaurant, poolside bar and a state of the art conference and function centre. |
Beachcomber Inn
Picton
 |  The Beachcomber Inn is situated on the waterfront of Picton, just a 2 minute walk from the main street and quite close to the Interislander Ferry terminal. The hotel offers views of the marina and Queen Charlotte Sound. The rooms have been extensively upgraded in recent times and offer refreshing ... |
| Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds |  Lochmara Lodge offers accommodation to trampers, nature lovers, couples and families alike. Tucked beside the water's edge in Lochmara Bay, the Lodge has its own sandy beach, surrounded by the beautiful bush clad hills of the Marlborough Sounds. It is easily accessible by water taxi from Picton or... |
|
|
Birdwatchers Expedition
Wildlife Watching
Picton |  This cruise provides keen birders the opportunity to view a variety of both land and sea birds including the very rare King Shag - only found in the Marlborough Sounds and considered a prized bird amongst birdwatchers. Learn about the wildlife from qualified marine biologists and their staff as the... |
Swimming With Dolphins
Dolphin Watching
Picton |  Swimming with dolphins and viewing them in their underwater world is the adventure experience of a lifetime and one that you will never forget and to do it in a beautiful place like the Marlborough Sounds where there is little or no sea swell is even better. Dolphin Watch Ecotours is an experience... |
Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery and Arts Centre
Cruise
Picton | Departing Picton, cruise to Lochmara Lodge to explore the Wildlife Recovery and Arts Centre, and enjoy the flavours of their beautiful café before cruising back to Picton. This is a great option for people who only have limited time.
Costs include return transfers from Picton and access to Wildlife... |
Ship Cove Eco-Cruise
Cruise
Picton |  As you cruise the length of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound, you'll experience and learn about playful dolphins, fur seals and amazing seabirds before landing at historic Ship Cove of Capt. Cook fame. After being welcomed ashore by the cheeky resident wekas, oystercatchers and paradise shelduck... |
Marine Wildlife & Motuara Island
Cruise
Picton |  Capturing the very best of the Marlborough Sounds, this half-day tour is a New Zealand nature experience to be enjoyed by all. Fantastic scenery, wonderful wildlife and great guides make this Picton's most fascinating cruise. On this cruise you will hopefully see dolphins and fur seals and then on... |
|
|
Kiwi Discovery
10 nights |  Discover the majesty and beauty of New Zealand's coast with this new 10 night cruise. This fabulous experience commences with a breathtaking visit to New Zealand's famous Fiordland National Park. Explore historic Dunedin on day 5 of your cruise. On day 6 you'll stop at Lyttelton, from where you can ... |
|
|
New Zealand Phenomenon
13 days |  Discover the key attractions of both the North and South Islands of New Zealand over an unforgettable thirteen days. From the moment you arrive in the 'city of sails' to your departure from Christchurch, this tour is sure to impress. From Auckland you travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands for two ... |
New Zealand Phenomenon
16 days |  Discover the key attractions of both the North and South Islands of New Zealand over an unforgettable sixteen days. From the moment you arrive in the 'city of sails' to your departure from Christchurch, this tour is sure to impress. From Auckland you travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands for two n... |
New Zealand Adventure
18 days |  This 18 day tour of New Zealand is an excellent way to see the major attractions and sights in this wonderful country. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands for two nights where you will have the opportunity to cruise to Cape Brett and the 'Hole in the Rock' as well as some free time to sail or sea-k... |
New Zealand Encounter
18 days |  This great tour of New Zealand starts in the pretty city of Christchurch where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Next day you will catch the TranzAlpine train to Arthu's Pass and cross the amazing Southern Alps. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before spending the n... |
New Zealand Panorama
15 days |  This fifteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights in New Zealand. From the beautiful and majestic Milford Sound, in the Fiordland National Park to the geothermal area of Rotorua this trip will surprise and delight you. After arriving in Christchurch you will catch... |
New Zealand Splendour
14 days |  After arriving and spending your first night in Auckland, you travel to Rotorua for two nights. Here you will experience this amazing geothermal region and also enjoy some Maori culture with a Hangi feast and concert. You will drive past Lake Taupo and Huka Falls on the way to Wellington, where yo... |
Wonders of New Zealand
17 days |  From the moment you arrive in Christchurch to your departure from Auckland this tour is sure to impress. This tour certainly introduces you to some of the best attractions and sights that New Zealand has to offer. After arriving in Christchurch you travel across the Southern Alps to Punakaiki to s... |
Northern Explorer
12 days |  The Northern Explorer tour introduces travellers to the major attractions and scenery in the North Island, and with 12 days and two and three night stops there is plenty of time to enjoy this trip at a relaxing pace. After arriving in Auckland and your first night, you travel to Omapere to see the ... |
Great New Zealand Experience
21 days | This tour certainly is an indepth look at New Zealand and will show you many of the best attractions and sights. From the moment you arrive in Auckland until the day you say farewell, this trip is sure to impress. There are two days in Auckland to enjoy this 'city of sails' before heading to the b... |
Scenic Sights
12 days | On this tour of New Zealand there are two, two night stays and one three night stay, therefore travellers will have the feeling of a more leisurely pace. After arriving in Auckland there is time for an afternoon activity, whether you may want to climb the Auckland Bridge, or cruise on Waitemata Har... |
|
|
|
|
|
| |