The Honeymoon Guide to Picton

© MarlboroughNZ

Romantic Adventure Activities

Offering some stunning coastal activities, Picton is the perfect place for couples to adventure together on the water. One way to do so is by teaming up in a double sea kayak to explore the Marlborough Sounds’ breathtaking bays, coves and wildlife. Guided and self-guided, half-day and full-day kayak tours are available with Wilderness Guides (available on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

If you’re both more of land-lubbers then it could be a good 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 stays in anything from campsites to luxury lodges. Get a taste for the trail on cruise and hike packages with Cougar Line (available on Viator and Tripadvisor) or Beachcomber Cruises (on Viator and Tripadvisor). Wilderness Guides (on Viator and Tripadvisor) offers kayaking and hiking combos, while Natural Encounters Walks (on Viator and Tripadvisor) can arrange complete packages for the full multi-day trail. Learn more about the trail in The Ultimate Guide to the Queen Charlotte Track.

If wildlife makes your heart melt, then you’re in for a treat in Picton. Get in the water with wild dolphins on a dolphin swimming cruise with E-Ko Tours in a rewarding experience swimming with wildlife in their natural environment. Find out more about E-Ko Tours in Viator and Tripadvisor. Alternatively, head out to Motuara Island which is a predator-free bird sanctuary with a short walk to a beautiful lookout, as well as a watering hole which is the best place to watch the birds who often hop onto you – you’ll feel like Snow White! This experience is also available with E-Ko Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), as well as Beachcomber Cruises (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

For more honeymoon activities, check out the 8 Romantic Activities in Picton for Couples.

© MarlboroughNZ

Romantic All-weather Activities

Whatever the weather is doing, you’ll hardly bat an eyelid when you’re indulging in some of Picton’s all-weather experiences.

Some of the world’s most romantic elixirs are produced right here in New Zealand’s largest wine region, so we’ll waste no time in telling you about Picton’s wine tours. Jump on a small-group winery-hopping tour with Sounds Connection (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) or Marlborough Wine Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor) of a half-day or full-day of wine tasting experiences. Learn about New Zealand’s prolific wine industry as you travel from winery to winery tasting a multitude of varietals. To make the experience more intimate, do a private bespoke wine tour with Hop n Grape Wine Tours Marlborough (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

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

For more rainy day ideas, see the 10 Things to Do in Picton on a Rainy Day.

© Bay of Many Coves

Romantic Restaurants in Picton

With a very casual dining scene, finding romantic eateries in Picton is a bit of a mission. Nevertheless, there are a few gems worth mentioning…

Just like its romantic boutique hotel, Escape to Picton (33 Wellington Street) has a restaurant to complement. It’s sure to impress your loved one with well-presented plates of contemporary New Zealand and French cuisine using locally-sourced fresh produce.

For a classic and casual pub atmosphere with excellent views across the Picton Marina, Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen (1 Wellington Street) is a popular option serving a range of crowd-pleasers.

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 with Foredeck being the most romantic experience where their wine-matched degustation menus are a highlight.

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