Plan a Romantic Getaway or Honeymoon to Picton
The Marlborough Sounds are like their own honeymoon destination within your honeymoon destination. It’s one of the few places in New Zealand offering resort experiences among its sheltered glistening waters. Picton is the launchpad for many adventures in the Marlborough Sounds, whether you prefer to hike or cruise. After a busy day, retreat your quaint B&B or boutique hotel where your hosts are likely to spoil you with fine cuisine and wine from vineyards just a few kilometres away.
So plan your romantic getaway or the Picton portion of your New Zealand honeymoon with this complete honeymoon guide to Picton.
Honeymoon Activities in Picton
- Team up in a double kayak to paddle the Marlborough Sounds
- Take part in an indulgent wine tour
- Swim with dolphins
- Cruise to a the Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Do the Queen Charlotte Track together
- Enjoy breakfast in the Sounds
- Indulge in a couples spa retreat
- Treat your loved one to a romantic dinner.
For more inspiration and information on each experience, see the 8 Romantic Activities in Picton for Couples.
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.
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.
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.
Honeymoon Accommodation in Picton
- Escape to Picton
- Harbour View Motel
- Seaview Apartment
- McCormick House
- Kippilaw House
- Bay of Many Coves
- Picton Yacht Club Hotel
- Palmira Lodge
- Anchor Down Bed & Breakfast
- The Bluewater Lodge
- The Sounds Retreat
- Mahana Lodge Boutique Bed & Breakfast
- The Portage
For our top picks, take a look at the 5 Best Romantic Accommodation in Picton.
More About Picton
- 10 Picton Must-Dos
- 10 Best Hotels in Picton
- 8 Luxury Activities in Picton
- The Complete Travel Guide to Picton
That’s it for our honeymoon guide to Picton. You can find even more honeymoon tips in The Honeymoon Guide to New Zealand.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.