The Complete Travel Guide to Picton [2023]

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What to Do in Picton

Wedged between the breathtaking cruising grounds of the Queen Charlotte Sound and the Marlborough wine region, Picton offers varied yet exciting experiences. Get out on the water to see bird sanctuary islands, dolphins and historical sites. You can also experience the sound by bike along its famous multi-day trail or keep the cycling for a way to get between vineyards after multiple wine tastings.

The Top Experiences in Picton

What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Picton highlights:

• Hike or cycle the Queen Charlotte Track
• Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound with E-Ko Tours (more info and book tickets on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
• Take a seafood cruise with Seafood Odyssea Cruise (on Viator and Klook)
• Capture the views from the 12 Best Hikes in Picton
• Tour the Marlborough wine region with Sounds Connection (on Viator and Tripadvisor)…

… And the list continues over in our 15 Best Things to Do in Picton.

Rainy Day Activities

Although Picton has a fairly dry climate, it’s always a good idea to have a rainy day backup. Some options include:

• Visit the Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum
• See the Edwin Fox Historical Ship at its museum
• Take a trip to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook).

Get more inspiration from our 11 Things to Do in Picton on a Rainy Day.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Where to Stay in Picton

Other than the accommodations we recommend on the righthand side of this complete travel guide to Picton (or at the bottom, if you’re on mobile), we have compiled entire lists of places to stay based on price, what’s best for families or a couples’ getaway, as well as premium stays. What’s more, each list is compiled by real writers; not some algorithm.

• 10 Best Hotels
• 10 Best Motels
• 7 Best Backpacker Hostels
• 10 Best Budget Accommodations
• 10 Best Family Accommodations
• 6 Best Luxury Accommodations
• 5 Best Romantic Accommodations

© NZPocketGuide.com

Picton for Budget Travellers

Picton is well worth at least one or two days’ stay before you start travelling the South Island. Not only are there some excellent hikes and walking trails to discover with epic views of the Queen Charlotte Sound, but you’ll also find fascinating museums on its waterfront. Combined with a stay in one of the town’s characterful and friendly hostels or perhaps in a holiday park or motel, your stay can be fun and affordable. Get some more tips in The Guide to Picton on a Budget and Picton – Guide for Backpackers. 

Budget Activities in Picton

• Do a short walk in the Victoria Domain or the Tirohanga Track
• Visit the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
• Check out the Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum
• Hit the Picton mountain bike trails
• Check out the views from Karaka Point.

For more activities and information on each, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Picton.

Budget Accommodation in Picton

Picton is home to some of the highest quality backpacker hostels in New Zealand, as well as a wealth of holiday parks and motels. Choose from the best in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Picton.

© MarlboroughNZ

Picton for Luxury Travellers

On the shores between New Zealand’s largest wine region and the stunningly scenic Marlborough Sounds, Picton offers a dynamic coastal experience for discerning travellers. It’s home to one of New Zealand’s most premium multi-day hiking trails, the Queen Charlotte Track, with options to stay in luxury lodges instead of the usual basic huts. The scenery and wine region can also be experienced on scenic flights, cruises and driving tours. After an amazing day out, retreat to one of the town’s cosy B&Bs or a resort out in the Marlborough Sounds. Find out more in The Luxury Guide to Picton.

Premium Activities in Picton

• Hike the Queen Charlotte Track
• Enjoy a private Marlborough region wine tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Take to the skies in a scenic flight over Marlborough with Coast to Coast Helicopters or Pelorus Air
• Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at the Bay of Many Coves
• Sail the Marlborough Sounds.

For more details on each experience and others, see our 8 Best Luxury Experiences in Picton.

Luxury Accommodation in Picton

From upscale boutique B&Bs with friendly locals to luxury resorts nestled in the bays of the Marlborough Sounds, there are some memorable stays to be had in Picton. Check them out in the 6 Best Luxury Accommodations in Picton.

© Mike Heydon - MarlboroughNZ

Picton for Families

Families will find a good balance of educational and outdoor family fun in Picton. With around five different wildlife experiences to be had between the predator-proof wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife centre, kids can enjoy an engaging educational experience with New Zealand’s birds, reptiles and marine life. There’s history to discover in the museums and steam train journey, while the family-friendly walks and bike trails are more great ways to enjoy the outdoors and scenery together. Complete a stay with exciting holiday parks, convenient apartments and motels and more. Check out The Guide to Picton for Families for more travel advice.

Family Activities in Picton

• Take a cruise to Motuara Island with Beachcomber Cruises (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Visit the underwater observatory, kayak, swim and ride the flying fox at Lochmara Lodge
• Ride the Marlborough Flyer steam train
• Do a kayak tour in the harbour or on the Pelorus River (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Hit some of the family-friendly hiking trails.

For more information on each experience and more, head to our 10 Things to Do in Picton with Kids.

Family-Friendly Accommodation in Picton

Take your pick from holiday parks with playgrounds and other family-friendly facilities, self-catering motels, hotel rooms and spacious apartments in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Picton.

© MarlboroughNZ

Picton for Couples

With glistening sheltered waters between the Queen Charlotte Sound‘s labyrinth of coves and inlets, Picton certainly sets the stage for romance. Combined with a stay in the small town’s boutique B&Bs or a resort in the Sound and you have a destination on your honeymoon itinerary or even a romantic weekend away to remember. Picton is definitely a place for couples who prefer to adventure together with scenic double kayak tours, the Queen Charlotte Track and more. But for those who want a little bit of pampering, the day spas and wine tours are here to serve. Start planning your visit with The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Picton.

Romantic Activities in Picton

• Team up in a double kayak to paddle the Marlborough Sounds (available on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Swim with dolphins (on Viator, Tripadvisor or Klook)
• Do the Queen Charlotte Track together
• Enjoy breakfast in the Sounds at Lochmara Lodge
• Indulge in a couples spa retreat at Little Oasis Massage & Spa.

For more inspiration and information on each experience, as well as a few more, see the 8 Most Romantic Things to Do in Picton for Couples.

Romantic Accommodation in Picton

Couples will find just the right tone set in Picton’s boutique hotels, B&Bs and lodges. For a special occasion, retreat to the lavish lodges and resorts of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Find out more in the 5 Best Romantic Accommodations in Picton.

© Escape To Picton Boutique Hotel

Picton for Foodies

Picton is part of New Zealand’s largest wine region, Marlborough, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc amongst other varietals. Needless to say, a wine tour is a must, whether you prefer a driving tour, hop-on hop-off or a helicopter tour. It’s also worth taking a cruise to Picton’s nearby green-lipped mussel and salmon farms, while the nearby town of Blenheim also hosts a chocolate factory and craft breweries. Learn about them all and more in The Food Guide to Picton: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Food Tours and Experiences in Picton

• Tour Marlborough‘s wineries (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Go on a seafood cruise (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
• Experience Marlborough’s craft beer at Dodson Street
• Indulge in high tea at Escape to Picton
• Visit the Makana Confections chocolate factory.

For more information and locations of each experience, see the 7 Best Foodie Experiences in Picton.

Where to Eat in Picton

• Picton Village Bakkerij (46 Auckland Street)
• Gusto (33 High Street)
• DA’s The Barn (48 High Street)
• Shai Shai’s Takeaways (83A High Street)
• Escape to Picton (33 Wellington Street)

Accommodation in Picton for Foodies

Whether you prefer self-catering accommodation to spruce up your own creations from local produce or want to roll out of bed to your accommodation’s on-site restaurant, Picton has both options as listed in the 10 Best Accommodations in Picton for Foodies.