9 Foodie Experiences in Picton

1. Tour Marlborough’s Wineries

Let’s begin with a foodie must-do, sampling the wines of New Zealand’s largest wine region!

You won’t have to worry about finding a designated driver for your wine tasting experience, as winery-hopping tours complete with driving, commentary and paid tasting fees are available with Sounds Connection or Marlborough Wine Tours from Picton.

They’ll pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the cellar doors and wineries of the region to learn about New Zealand’s prolific wine industry and taste a multitude of varietals.

There’s also sometimes the option to also try craft beer and visit a chocolate factory. Alternatively, private personalised wine tours are an option with Hop n Grape Wine Tours Marlborough or make things more affordable and flexible with Hop on Hop off Wine Tours.

Location: Tours pick-up from Picton accommodations, except Hop on Hop off Wine Tours who depart from the Picton i-SITE, The Foreshore, Picton town.

© Hop n Grape Wine Tours Marlborough

2. Go on a Seafood Cruise

Indulge in Picton’s renowned green-lipped mussels and salmon on a seafood cruise with the Marlborough Tour Company. As we discovered first-hand, this luxurious catamaran journey through the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound offers more than just breathtaking scenery.

You’ll savour fresh, locally farmed salmon and Greenshell mussels while learning about marine farming in the Marlborough Sounds.

Pair your seafood with a glass of local Sauvignon Blanc from the onboard bar (at your own expense) and keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and penguins.

According to our travel manager, Robin, this cruise provides unparalleled views of secluded bays that are otherwise difficult to access.

Location: 2 Wellington Street, Picton town.

© Only Marlborough - MarlboroughNZ

3. Experience Craft Beer in Blenheim

While not strictly in Picton, Blenheim is just a short drive away and features some fantastic foodie experiences to include in your itinerary.

Marlborough is also home to a vibrant craft beer scene which is best experienced at Dodson Street Beer Garden. Not only do they have one of the largest menus of local and international craft beers in New Zealand, but also on-site is the Renaissance Brewing Company whose beers are available in tasting trays.

Location: 1 Dodson Street, Mayfield, Blenheim, approximately 27km (17 miles) from Picton.

© NZPocketGuide.com

4. Indulge in High Tea

Looking for a little weekend treat in Picton? Escape to Picton‘s Restaurant is open for high tea every Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 5 pm, serving all sorts of sweets and savouries on tiered stands accompanied by antique tea sets.

Enjoy the historic ambience of the restaurant’s 1902 building as you devour macaroons, opera cake, lemon curd tartlets, a selection of traditional sandwiches and much more.

Make your experience with a pot of tea/coffee or opt for the glass of bubbles option.

We also list this accommodation in the 10 Best Accommodation in Picton for Foodies.

Location: 33 Wellington Street, Picton town.

© Escape To Picton Boutique Hotel

5. Check Out the Local Markets

Again, not strictly in Picton, our next recommendation is a short drive to the neighbouring town of Blenheim where you’ll find some local foodie markets.

The Marlborough Farmers’ Market happens every Sunday from 9 am to 12 pm where you can try and purchase cheese, bread, produce and more straight from the producers.

You can also find interesting local food products, like wine, nuts, etc. at the Marlborough Artisan Market on Saturday mornings between 9 am and 1 pm.

See more things to do in Blenheim here.

Location: Marlborough Farmers’ Market – Corner of Alabama Road and Maxwell Road, Blenheim. Marlborough Artisan Market – Wynen Street Carpark, Blenheim, both approximately 28km (17 miles) from Picton.

© Pixabay

6. Visit a Chocolate Factory

Since we’ve recommended a few things in Blenheim, you might as well take a quick detour to the local chocolate factory on your way there. Makana Confections is a boutique chocolate factory among the vines of the Marlborough wine region where visitors are welcomed with a free sample of handmade chocolate.

Watch the chocolatiers at work through the factory viewing window while you browse an array of chocolatey treats in their shop, all made with no artificial preservatives.

Location: Corner Rapaura Road & Odwyers Road, Renwick, Blenheim, approximately 25 km (16 mi) from Picton.

© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Dine at Picton’s Restaurants, Cafes and Takeaways

Picton offers a range of relaxed restaurants, cafes and takeaways, many with stellar views of the Picton Harbour and an excellent example of Kiwi cuisine.

For a takeaway breakfast or lunch, head to the Picton Village Bakkerij, which specialises in European-style bread and sandwiches, as well as Kiwi savoury pies, cakes and more.

If you prefer to dine in for breakfast or lunch, check out Gusto for all sorts of naughty treats like French toast with bacon, banana and maple syrup and other cafe crowd-pleasers.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, DA’s The Barn is a good honest Kiwi-style restaurant with good honest portions.

For links to more recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Picton.

Location: Picton Village Bakkerij – 46 Auckland Street. Gusto – 33 High Street. DA’s The Barn – 48 High Street. 

© Pixabay

8. Indulge in a Sweet Treats Tour

Experience a delightful journey visiting sweet locations with Kiwi Holiday Tours. This tour is perfect for travellers seeking an indulgent experience.

Begin with a leisurely stroll through the stunning Pollard Park, where beautiful gardens, crystal-clear streams, and charming rose gardens’ll enchant you.

Next, satisfy your sweet tooth at Makana Confections, where you’ll be greeted with a tempting chocolate sample and can watch the confectionery-making process through viewing windows.

The grand finale is an exquisite high tea experience in Blenheim, featuring a delectable array of sweet and savoury treats. With pickup included, this tour offers a hassle-free way to explore Blenheim’s culinary delights.

Location: Pickup from Picton accommodation.

© Kiwi Holiday Tours

9. Join a Cooking Class

Discover the perfect Top of the South Island food experience with Kippilaw House Cooking School. We love how Margaret, with over 30 years of professional cooking experience, shares her culinary secrets in a relaxed and intimate setting.

Learn to master traditional New Zealand and European-style dishes, prepared with beauty and simplicity. Classes cater to all cooking abilities and showcase recipes from around the world.

From weekend getaways to specialised courses in pasta making, preserves, and even gluten-free cooking, there’s something for every foodie. We’re particularly drawn to the three-course dinner classes for entertaining, perfect for impressing your fellow travellers!

Classes include all ingredients, a recipe folder, and helpful tips to take home.

Location: Gourmet Deli, 98 Waikawa Road, Picton, Marlborough Sounds, South Island.

© Kippilaw House