The Food Guide to Picton: Places to Eat & Food Tours

© Only Marlborough - MarlboroughNZ

The Best Food Tours in Picton

In the centre of New Zealand’s largest wine region, as well as near salmon and green-lipped mussel farms, Picton is an excellent base for Marlborough wine and seafood tours.

Marlborough Wineries Tours

Don’t worry about finding a designated driver for your wine tasting experiences in Marlborough, as small-group winery-hopping tours are available with Sounds Connection or Marlborough Wine Tours from Picton.

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

Private bespoke wine tours are also an option with Hop n Grape Wine Tours Marlborough or make things more affordable and flexible with Hop on Hop off Wine Tours.

Seafood Cruise

Another aspect of Picton’s foodie scene can be experienced on a seafood cruise with the Marlborough Tour Company. Travel by luxury catamaran to a salmon and mussel farm to indulge in fresh samples of seafood paired with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

The cruise is also a scenic journey through the sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound, as well as a chance to see seals, dolphins and penguins.

Although 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.

Local Markets

The Marlborough Farmers’ Market happens every Sunday morning (Corner of Alabama Road and Maxwell Road, Blenheim), 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 (Wynen Street Carpark, Blenheim) on Saturday mornings.

For more food tours, like a wine cruise and breakfast in the Sounds, check out the 10 Things to Do in Picton for Foodies.

More Food Tours in Picton

• Experience craft beer in Blenheim
• Indulge in high tea at Escape to Picton
• Visit the Makana Confections chocolate factory
• Eat out at Picton’s restaurants.
• Indulge in a Sweet Treats Tour with Kiwi Holiday Tours
• Join a cooking class in the Kippilaw House Cooking School

© Escape To Picton Boutique Hotel

About The Best Places to Eat in Picton

Where should you dine out in Picton? Picton offers a range of relaxed restaurants, cafes and takeaways, many with stellar views of the Picton Harbour.

Where to Eat: The Best Restaurant in Picton

For an indulgent meal in Picton, Escape to Picton‘s Restaurant (33 Wellington Street) is hard to beat. Expect beautifully presented French- and New Zealand-inspired dishes made with fresh local produce. Highlights include refined seafood platters, perfectly cooked steaks and decadent pavlovas for dessert.

Another top choice is Oxley’s Bar & Kitchen (Corner London Quay & Wellington Street), set in a historic waterfront building. This stylish yet relaxed spot serves elevated Kiwi classics with a focus on fresh Marlborough seafood, alongside a carefully curated wine and craft beer list.

Where to Eat: International Restaurants in Picton

Bringing a touch of South America to the Marlborough Sounds, Cortado (Corner High Street & London Quay) specialises in fresh seafood with Latin flair, wood-fired pizzas, and tapas perfect for sharing. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail while enjoying the harbour views.

For Italian-inspired comfort food, Gusto (33 High Street) is a cosy choice. Known for its pastas, stone-baked pizzas and Mediterranean-style salads, it’s a great pick for a relaxed lunch or dinner with friends.

Where to Eat: New Zealand Restaurants in Picton

The Crow Tavern (15 Nelson Square) offers the charm of a traditional Kiwi pub, complete with hearty plates like fish and chips, lamb shanks, and burgers. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it popular with both locals and travellers.

The Thirsty Pig (27 High Street) serves generous portions of New Zealand gastropub favourites, from slow-cooked pork belly to seafood chowder. It’s also a great place for a casual drink thanks to its range of local beers.

DA’s The Barn (48 High Street) is a dependable Kiwi-style restaurant offering dishes like prime ribeye steak, lamb backstrap, and the region’s famous green-lipped mussels. Portions are generous and the vibe is friendly and unpretentious.

For more restaurant recommendations, check out fine dining in The Luxury Guide to Picton, romantic dining in The Honeymoon Guide to Picton, and cheap eats in The Guide to Picton on a Budget.

© Escape to Picton Boutique Hotel

Where to Stay: Accommodations in Picton for Foodies

When it comes to gastronomical experiences at your accommodation, Picton has a choice of resorts with fabulous restaurants or self-catering accommodation, should you want to spruce something up with local ingredients.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Picton, here are some of our top picks for foodies.

Escape to Picton Boutique Hotel – Romantic Waterfront Suites with Gourmet Dining

This popular dining venue on Picton’s waterfront hides three luxurious suites upstairs. Each suite is unique, featuring exquisite handmade furniture. The “Formal Suite” boasts romantic and traditional decor, while the “Modern Suite” offers sleek sophistication.

Adults can indulge in comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, sea views, and modern amenities like work desks and free WiFi. The hotel’s exceptional facilities include a sun terrace, free bicycles, and a complimentary airport shuttle.

Guests can unwind in the garden or enjoy European cuisine at the family-friendly restaurant, which caters to various dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

Discover why Escape to Picton Boutique Hotel is a favourite for travellers seeking an exceptional dining, and book your suite through Booking.com or Expedia!

Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel – Convenient Self-Catering Stays in the Town Centre

One of the best motels in Picton for self-catering, the Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel offers a range of self-contained units with cooking facilities.

Located on High Street, this motel puts you in the centre of it all, yet you have your own space in one of the contemporary-style units or studios.

Even your entry-level budget studio has a kitchenette, while you might also want to use the large grassy barbecue area in the centre.

While not all the rooms bask in natural light, the decor is fresh and clean making it a pleasant place to relax after a ferry trip or excursion in the Marlborough Sounds.

Learn more about what makes Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel ideal for travellers seeking convenient self-catering accommodation, and secure your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

© NZPocketGuide.com

Alternative Things to Do in Picton

While it might be hard to believe, there’s more to do in Picton than take a wine tour and eat at the restaurants. There’s amazing scenery, water activities and wildlife encounters to be had, so complete your itinerary with some of the following things to do in Picton.

• Hike the Queen Charlotte Track
• Do a cruise of the Marlborough Sounds
• Hit the mountain biking trails around Picton
• See some dolphins
• Check out the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
• And the Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum
• See the birds on Motuara Island Sanctuary

… And the list goes on! Check out the details of each experience and others in the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Picton and 10 Picton Must-Dos.