The Luxury Travel Guide to Picton

© MarlboroughNZ

Luxury Adventure Activities

Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, where, incidentally, most luxury experiences take place. A highlight for active travellers is the Queen Charlotte Track, while those looking for a more relaxing experience can enjoy cruises and helicopter excursions.

Starting with one of the South Island’s premium hiking trails, the Queen Charlotte Track is a multi-day walk where you don’t have to give up comforts associated with spending time in the wilderness.

Stay in upscale lodges in picturesque bays between days of hiking over mountains, through lush forest and across wonderful coves and inlets. While we offer advice on how to organise your trip independently in The Ultimate Guide to the Queen Charlotte Track.

Incorporate the three famous aspects of Marlborough: the Marlborough Sounds, wine and green-lipped mussels, on a seafood cruise with the Marlborough Tour Company. Travel by luxury catamaran to a salmon and mussel farm where you’ll get to indulge in fresh samples of seafood paired with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

There’s also plenty of photo opportunities when travelling through the sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound, as well as a chance to see seals, dolphins and penguins.

For an alternative perspective of the breathtaking coastal landscape, take to the skies on a scenic flight. See an intricate network of bays, inlets and waterways on a helicopter flight with Coast to Coast Helicopters or a fixed-wing flight with Pelorus Air.

Both operators offer a range of scenic flights with flight times to suit most itineraries. Tour the Blenheim wineries in style on the “Heli Wine Tour” with Coast to Coast Helicopters or enjoy a remote beach landing on the “Water, Wine and Wilderness” tour with Pelorus Air!

For more lavish experiences, such as sailing in the Marlborough Sounds, take a look at the 10 Luxury Activities in Picton.

© Hop n Grape Wine Tours Marlborough

All-weather Luxury Activities

Although Picton is a sunnier region of the South Island, it can still have its fair share of rainy days. Whatever the weather, these activities will ensure your luxury getaway doesn’t come to a halt.

Explore the famous wine region of Marlborough on one of the superb wine tours from Picton. While we list various tour companies in the 10 Great Winery Tours in New Zealand, a more luxurious experience awaits with Hop n Grape Wine Tours Marlborough.

Their full-day private winery tour allows you to curate your dream itinerary with their winemaker or they’ll surprise you. Go behind the scenes in some wineries, soak up the scenery of the Awatere Valley, focus on boutique, organic or fine wine – it’s up to you.

Alternatively, Picton often marks the midway point for people travelling both the North and South Islands, so it’s a good time to relax and indulge in a spa treatment. In town, you have Little Oasis, offering massages, facials and an infrared sauna in a soothing environment with hot towels, blissful sounds, candles and aromas.

In the Marlborough Sounds, guests and visitors to the Bay of Many Coves are treated to their on-site day spa, the Miritu Day Spa. They specialise in New Zealand-sourced botanicals and essential oils.

For more ideas for bad-weather days, see the 10 Things to Do in Picton on a Rainy Day.

© Kippilaw House

Where to Stay: Luxury Accommodations 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.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Picton, here are some of our top picks for discerning travellers.

Kippilaw House – A Gourmet Bed & Breakfast Experience in Picton

Picton’s many luxury bed and breakfast accommodations start here at Kippilaw House. The B&B offers a “deluxe gourmet breakfast” and a four-course à la carte dinner.

The included breakfast is an impeccably presented three-course event with an ever-changing menu to complement the seasonal produce of the area.

As for accommodation, you have a choice of two beautifully-appointed rooms, the “Bowden Room” and the “Picton View Suite”, both with king beds, fine linen and more fluffy towels than you could possibly need.

The Victorian villa radiates historical charm yet boasts modern features like solar-powered underfloor and water heating. All in all, it’s a fabulous choice for foodies or a special occasion.

Discover what makes Kippilaw House a standout choice for discerning travellers, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

Edit Picton – Stylish Marina-Front Hotel with Relaxed Dining

For a hotel set on the foreshores of Picton Marina, check out the four-star Edit Picton. The hotel offers contemporary and relaxed rooms for couples, families, business travellers, and groups of friends.

While entry-level rooms are available, it’s worth upgrading to the “Penthouse Apartment,” which features three separate bedrooms and a full kitchen.

But wherever you decide to unwind after a day of exploring Picton and the Marlborough Sounds, you’ll still have access to the hotel’s large outdoor pool and relaxed dining room at The Chartroom Restaurant.

Learn more about what makes Edit Picton a fantastic base for exploring the Marlborough region, and secure your stay through Booking.com!

© MarlboroughNZ

Fine Dining in Picton

In the heart of New Zealand’s largest wine region and seafood mecca, Picton offers some special dining experiences.

When it comes to fine dining, our first thought is the Bay of Many Coves in the Marlborough Sounds, a luxury resort with three restaurants. Foredeck is their most premium experience where their wine-matched degustation menu is a highlight.

The restaurant of the boutique Escape to Picton hotel (33 Wellington Street) is another culinary highlight, conveniently located in town. They offer well-presented plates of contemporary New Zealand and French cuisine, use locally-sourced fresh produce, and put on an indulgent high tea session on weekends.

For more restaurant recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Picton.