10 Romantic Things to Do in Picton for Couples

1. Team Up in a Double Kayak to Paddle the Marlborough Sounds

Let’s waste no time in getting you out on the vibrant waters of the Marlborough Sounds! One way to do so is by teaming up in a double sea kayak to explore breathtaking bays, coves and wildlife.

Paddling in a double kayak really tests your teamwork, providing a rewarding way to explore the Sounds. Wilderness Guides offers guided half-day adventures, perfect for couples seeking a romantic escapade.

Glide through sheltered coves and remote beaches, keeping an eye out for eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins. Learn about the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds as you paddle along the picturesque western end of Queen Charlotte Sound.

Location: Wilderness Guides – 1 London Quay. Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co – 4 Wellington Street.

© Wilderness Guides

2. Take Part in an Indulgent Wine Tour

A renowned romantic drink is produced right here in the Marlborough region. Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region where Picton is an excellent base to explore it.

Jump on a small-group winery-hopping tour with Sounds Connection or Marlborough Wine Tours of a half-day or full-day of wine-tasting experience.

Learn about New Zealand’s prolific wine industry as you travel from winery to winery sipping a multitude of varietals with your loved one.

To make the experience more intimate, do a private bespoke wine tour with Hop n Grape Wine Tours Marlborough.

Location: Pick-ups from Picton accommodations are available.

© MarlboroughNZ

3. Join Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Marlborough Sounds on a half-day wildlife adventure with E-Ko New Zealand Ltd. As we discovered first-hand, this cruise offers a perfect mix of nature and marine life encounters.

Glide through Queen Charlotte Sound, keeping your eyes peeled for playful bottlenose and dusky dolphins, as well as New Zealand fur seals. The highlight, as we’ve seen for ourselves, is the guided nature walk on predator-free Motuara Island, a sanctuary teeming with rare seabirds and lush flora.

We appreciate the knowledgeable marine biologists who provide fascinating commentary throughout the journey. And don’t worry about going hungry, there’s complimentary refreshments, including tea, coffee and cookies, to keep you energised.

This small-group tour ensures a personalised experience, perfect for couples seeking a romantic yet educational outing.

Location: E-Ko Tours, 1 Wellington Street, Picton, Marlborough, South Island.

© NZPocketGuide.com

4. Indulge in a Sweet Treats Tour

Experience a delightful journey visiting sweet locations with Kiwi Holiday Tours. This tour is perfect for couples seeking a romantic and 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

5. Do the Queen Charlotte Track Together

Prefer to stick to dry land? This could be the perfect excuse to experience the Queen Charlotte Track.

This multi-day premium hiking trail ventures over the undulating hills of the Queen Charlotte Sound, boasting commanding coastal vistas, lush forest and retreats in scenic campsites to luxury lodges.

Get a taste for the trail on cruise and hike packages with E-Ko New Zealand Ltd or Beachcomber Cruises. Wilderness Guides offers kayaking and hiking combos.

Learn more about the trail in The Ultimate Guide to the Queen Charlotte Track.

Location: Cougar Line, Beachcomber Cruises and Wilderness Guides – London Quay, Picton town. Natural Encounters Walks offers accommodation pick-ups.

© NZPocketGuide.com

6. Enjoy Breakfast in the Sounds

Unless you are staying in one of the luxurious Marlborough Sounds lodges that we list in The Honeymoon Guide to Picton, you need to experience at least a morning in the Sounds.

An easy option to fit in before heading to your next South Island destination or taking the ferry, Lochmara Lodge offers a morning excursion from Picton.

The tour includes water transport to the lodge and back, as well as breakfast and drinks in their relaxing cafe. Both the indoor seating and alfresco on the deck offers gorgeous views of Lochmara Bay where it’s common to spot dolphins.

Location: 18 Wellington Street, Picton town.

© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Indulge in a Couples’ Spa Retreat

To relax between your adventures, how about a couples’ retreat at Little Oasis? The Picton day spa offers exclusive packages for couples, including studio accommodation, a glass of bubbles on arrival, a one-hour massage each, a private dinner in their romantic lounge provided by Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen (see point #8), a sauna session for two, use of a private garden spa pool and more.

For more experiences like this, see the 10 Luxury Activities in Picton.

Location: 53 Durham Street, Picton town.

© Pixabay

8. Treat Your Loved One to a Romantic Dinner

Picton favours casual eateries, rather than romantic restaurants, but couples can still find some gems if they know where to look. For instance, just like its romantic boutique hotel, Escape to Picton has a restaurant to complement. Dine on well-presented plates of contemporary New Zealand and French cuisine.

For a casual and upbeat atmosphere in a classic pub with excellent views across the Picton Marina, Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen is your place.

And for celebrating a special occasion, a trip to the Bay of Many Coves in the Marlborough Sounds is a must! This luxury resort features three restaurants, one of which is a fine dining restaurant where their wine-matched degustation menu are a highlight.

For more restaurant recommendations, see The Foodie Guide to Picton.

Location: Escape to Picton – 33 Wellington Street, Picton town. Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen – 1 Wellington Street. Bay of Many Coves – Bay of Many Coves, Queen Charlotte Sound, accessible by water taxi.

© MarlboroughNZ

9. Enjoy a Scenic Drive to Rārangi Beach

Take a romantic coastal detour to the tranquil Rārangi Beach. Just a 30- to 40-minute drive from Picton, this tranquil shoreline overlooking Cloudy Bay offers a perfect escape for couples.

As you travel, the route winds through vine-draped hills and peaceful rural landscapes, setting the mood for intimate conversation and shared discovery.

At the beach, wander hand-in-hand along the rugged pebble shore, beach-comb at low tide, or explore the verdant headlands sheltering gentle coves.

For those preferring a guided experience, Kiwi Holiday Tours offers comfortable van tours with a knowledgeable local guide, allowing you to relax and soak in the countryside views between stops.

Location: Rārangi Beach, Cloudy Bay, Marlborough, South Island. 30-40 minutes’ drive from Picton.

© MarlboroughNZ

10. Escape to a Luxury Accommodation in the Marlborough Sounds

For a truly romantic getaway, whisk your loved one away to one of the secluded luxury retreats nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds.

Wake up to panoramic views of Queen Charlotte Sound from your private balcony, and spend your days indulging in world-class cuisine, unwinding at in-house spas, or taking a dip in private pools.

Nature lovers will appreciate the walking trails connected to the Queen Charlotte Track, while couples seeking enchantment might spot playful dolphins in the sheltered waters. There’s nothing quite like sharing a moment of wonder as these majestic creatures dance through the crystal-clear bays, creating unforgettable memories for couples.

Choose from stylish waterfront suites or private villas at retreats such as Bay of Many Coves, Furneaux Lodge, or Punga Cove for a romantic escape surrounded by breathtaking sea views.

Location: Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough, South Island. Accessible only by water taxi from Picton.

© Bay of Many Coves