10 Luxury Activities in Picton

1. Hike the Queen Charlotte Track

Starting with one of New Zealand’s premium hiking trails, the Queen Charlotte Track is a multi-day walk without having to give up comforts associated with spending time in the wilderness.

Stay in upscale lodges nestled in picturesque bays between days of hiking over forested hills, winding through lush forest and along wonderful coves and inlets.

While we offer advice on how to organise your trip independently in The Ultimate Guide to the Queen Charlotte Track, a range of classic to all-inclusive packages can be organised with Natural Encounters Walks.

Location: Between Ship Cove and Anakiwa. Access to Ship Cove is via water taxi, while Anakiwa is approximately 23km (14 miles) from Picton by road.

© BareKiwi - MarlboroughNZ

2. Enjoy a Private Marlborough Region Wine Tour

Explore the famous wine region of Marlborough on one of the superb wine tours from Picton.

While we list various tour companies in the 10 Great Winery Tours in New Zealand, a more premium experience awaits with Hop n Grape Wine Tours Marlborough.

Their full-day private winery tour allows you to curate your ideal itinerary or let the experts surprise you! Relax and indulge in fine wine and gourmet food as you explore Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine region, at your own pace.

According to our travel manager, Robin, this bespoke experience offers the perfect mix of luxury and flexibility. With wine tasting fees included and transfers from Blenheim and Renwick, you can savour the expansive vineyard views without worrying about driving.

Location: Free pick-ups available from Picton accommodations.

© Hop n Grape Wine Tours Marlborough

3. Do a Seafood Cruise in the Queen Charlotte Sound

Incorporate the three famous aspects of Marlborough: the coastal scenery, wine and green-lipped mussels, on a seafood cruise with the Marlborough Tour Company.

Travel by luxury catamaran through the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, indulging in fresh salmon and Greenshell mussels paired with local Sauvignon Blanc.

As we’ve experienced first-hand, the cruise offers stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds’ natural beauty and insights into the region’s marine farming. Be ready for possible wildlife sightings, including seals, dolphins and penguins.

Location: Cruise departs from Picton Marina.

© Marlborough Tour Company

4. Take to the Skies in a Scenic Flight Over Marlborough

For an alternative perspective of the breathtaking coastal landscape, take to the skies on a scenic flight.

See an intricate network of bays, inlets and waterways on a helicopter flight with Coast to Coast Helicopters or a fixed-wing flight with Pelorus Air. Both operators offer a range of air tours with flight times to suit most itineraries.

For instance, tour the Marlborough wineries in style on the “Heli Wine Tour” with Coast to Coast Helicopters or enjoy a remote beach landing on the “Water, Wine and Wilderness” tour with Pelorus Air!

Location: Coast to Coast Helicopters and Pelorus Air – Picton Airport, Koromiko, approximately 9km (6 miles) from Picton. Pick-ups are available from Picton accommodation if needed.

© MarlboroughNZ

5. Indulge in a Relaxing Spa Treatment

Picton often marks the midway point for travellers exploring both the North and South Islands, so it’s a good time to hit the pause button and indulge in a spa treatment.

In town, you have Little Oasis, offering massages, facials and an infrared sauna – all in a soothing environment with hot towels, blissful sounds, candles and aromas.

In the Marlborough Sounds, guests and visitors to the Bay of Many Coves are treated to their on-site Miritu Day Spa, who specialise in New Zealand-sourced botanicals and essential oils.

Location: Little Oasis – 53 Durham Street, Picton town. Bay of Many Coves – Bay of Many Coves, Queen Charlotte Sound, accessible by water taxi.

© Pixabay

6. Sail the Marlborough Sounds

If all the ways we’ve suggested to explore the Marlborough Sounds wasn’t enough, then get onboard a luxury sailing yacht to cruise the sounds in style.

Cruising the less-visited Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds, Sounds by Sail offers private charters, three-hour tours and luxury overnight excursions in their 32 ft Beneteau yacht.

For a more traditional sail, choose Steadfast, a 58 ft traditionally built gaff cutter.

As well as morning sails from Picton, they provide overnight sails in the Queen Charlotte Sound and cruises to French Pass and D’Urville Island.

Location: Sounds by Sail – Pick-ups available from selected accommodations in the Kenepuru Sound, such as The Portage, approximately 51km (32 miles) from Picton town. Steadfast – Picton Wharf.

© MarlboroughNZ

7. Tee Off at Picton’s Golf Courses

Like, well, anywhere in New Zealand, Picton is a glorious place to swing a club. For an exclusive round with a view, head to the scenic course at Waikawa Bay, just northeast of Picton.

This well-groomed course boasts lush fairways and broad views of the Sounds and surrounding hills. The sophisticated landscape and serene environment make it both a sporty and indulgent escape.

Alternatively, you have the nine-hole Picton Golf Club nestled among exotic trees and bush-clad hills, offering a quick yet satisfying golfing experience.

See how the courses compare in the 20 Best Golf Courses in New Zealand.

Location: Rarangi Golf Club – 217 Rarangi Beach Road, approximately 27km (17 miles) from Picton. Picton Golf Club – State Highway One, Mt Pleasant, approximately 6km (4 miles) from Picton.

© NZPocketGuide.com

8. Be Treated to Fine Dining

In the heart of New Zealand’s largest wine region and seafood mecca, Picton offers some special dining experiences.

When it comes to fine dining, our first thought is the Bay of Many Coves in the Queen Charlotte Sound. Foredeck is their mo st premium restaurant where their wine-matched degustation menu is a highlight.

Alternatively, the restaurant of the boutique Escape to Picton hotel is another upscale dining staple, conveniently located in town. They offer well-presented plates of contemporary French and New Zealand cuisine, use locally sourced fresh produce, and do high tea on weekends.

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

Location: Bay of Many Coves – Bay of Many Coves, Queen Charlotte Sound, accessible by water taxi. Escape to Picton – 33 Wellington Street, Picton town.

© Bay of Many Coves

9. Take the Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable half-day adventure with E-Ko New Zealand Ltd as you explore the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds. We love this cruise for its perfect combination of wildlife spotting and island exploration.

Keep your eyes peeled for rare seabirds and several species of marine mammals, including the adorable Hector’s, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, as well as New Zealand fur seals.

The highlight of this luxury experience is a nature walk on Motuara Island, a predator-free sanctuary teeming with birdlife.

Enthusiastic marine biologists provide fascinating commentary throughout the journey, enhancing your understanding of this unique ecosystem. To top it off, indulge in complimentary refreshments while soaking in the stunning views.

Location: E-Ko Tours, 1 Wellington Street, Picton

© E-Ko New Zealand Ltd

10. Overnight Stay at a Luxury Marlborough Sounds Accommodation

Indulge in the ultimate Marlborough Sounds experience with an overnight stay at one of the region’s prestigious luxury lodges. Accessible by boat, these secluded retreats offer a perfect mix of natural beauty and world-class comfort.

Wake up to the gentle lapping of waves and native birdsong in stylish waterfront suites or private villas boasting panoramic sea views. Spend your day kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking coastal trails, or simply unwinding in a hot tub overlooking the tranquil waters.

In the evening, savour a gourmet multi-course dinner paired with award-winning Marlborough wines, often prepared by resident chefs using fresh, local ingredients.

These luxury lodges, such as Bay of Many Coves, Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove, offer the ultimate privacy, nature, and sophistication for those seeking a truly indulgent escape.

Location: Various locations throughout the Marlborough Sounds, South Island. Accessible by boat or helicopter from Picton.

© Bay of Many Coves