Known for its indescribably beautiful landscape and the famous neighboring region of Marlborough wine country, Picton, New Zealand continues to draw in both domestic and international visitors. Located on the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand, the city is reputed as a gateway to the geographically stunning islands and waters of the Marlborough Sounds. Picton provides many opportunities for sightseeing among its varied ecosystems – hike through the surrounding hills and valleys; scuba and snorkel in the bay; meet the animal inhabitants in their sanctuary. And, of course, sample the locally made and internationally renowned wines of New Zealand. For accommodation, the hotels in Picton are perfect for conventional stays while those after immersive experiences can alternatively book their holiday in Airbnb vacation rentals. To get your vacation plans rolling, keep reading for a list of the best things to do in Picton, New Zealand.
1. Go on a cruise ship excursion and wine tour (from USD 147.0)
As a popular port of call for cruise ships, Picton serves as the gateway to the famous Marlborough wine region. The cruise ship excursion includes a scenic journey through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, known for its lush landscapes and pristine waters. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking coastal vistas and the chance to spot marine wildlife.
Once ashore, the wine tour takes you to some of Marlborough’s top wineries, where you can indulge in tastings of world-class Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and delectable wine experiences, a cruise ship excursion and wine tour in Picton promises an enriching and unforgettable adventure that captures the essence of New Zealand’s coastal charm and wine excellence.
Picton CRUISE SHIP Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
2. Explore the serene seaside of Picton on a self-guided audio tour (from USD 15.0)
Exploring the serene seaside of Picton, New Zealand, on a self-guided audio tour, is a peaceful and informative activity that allows you to discover the town at your own pace. With the audio tour, you’ll be free to roam the charming streets, picturesque waterfront, and beautiful coastal surroundings while learning about Picton’s history and landmarks.
The audio tour provides fascinating insights and commentary about the town’s maritime heritage, native wildlife, and the scenic beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. As you explore, you can pause and linger at places that pique your interest or continue your leisurely journey along the tranquil seaside.
Picton Self-Guided Audio Tour
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
3. Pay a visit to Edwin Fox Museum
Located on the Dunbar Wharf of the Picton Harbor, Edwin Fox Museum gives visitors the chance to climb aboard and explore the world’s ninth oldest ship, from its belly to its deck.
Edwin Fox, which roamed the seas from 1853 to 1897, contains a rich seafaring history in her hulls having carried immigrants, troops, and even convicts on her journeys. A great thing to do with kids in Picton, visiting this museum enables guests to learn about the people who played parts in Fox’s story, see what the inside of cargo and passenger-bearing ships once looked like, and experience history in a unique way while on board.
Edwin Fox Museum
Address: Dunbar Wharf, Picton 7281, New Zealand
Website: Edwin Fox Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 3pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
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4. Experience Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary at night time (from USD 57.1)
This Zealandia by night tour offers its guests the unique chance to see New Zealand under the cover of nightfall. Your tour guide will escort your group through the native forest via torchlight in order to let you see the nocturnal wildlife, especially those endangered species kept safe in the sanctuary.
Offering a truly unique experience in Picton, New Zealand, this sanctuary allows you to take a peek at the distinctly native wētā, glow worms, tuatara, and takahē and learn about their importance to the Māori culture. And keep your eyes peeled for the kiwi bird, a common sight on this tour!
Zealandia by Night Tour
Duration: 2.5 hour
5. Browse through the exhibits at Picton Community Museum
Visit Picton Museum and discover Picton' Past!
Posted by Visit Picton New Zealand on Saturday, 9 September 2017
Museum hopping never goes out of style in any excursion. Here in Picton, New Zealand, great things to do indoors certainly involve this activity. The Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum of New Zealand provides visitors the opportunity to learn more about the culture giving significance to the flavor of Picton. The museum contains five different themes – Maori, maritime, whaling, heritage, and textiles. The various exhibits here reflect these themes and definitely allow guests to better understand the important role which maritime and whaling played in its history.
You will also get to see the textiles and artifacts from years ago used by the New Zealanders. And the museum itself is built on the original site of the Waitohi Pa which gives an insider look at the culture of the Maori people.
Picton Community Museum
Address: 9 London Quay, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Website: Picton Community Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
6. Learn about the roots of Maori culture at Waikawa Marae
Waikawa Marae
Posted by Hiakai on Thursday, 24 November 2016
When you approach Waikawa Marae, you will immediately be intrigued by the coral-colored accents of the buildings, as well as the whakairo (carvings) climbing the facade. Waikawa Marae is located in Waikawa Bay, about 4 miles (7 km) northeast of Picton. It currently serves as a meeting place for the iwi, or tribes, of the local peoples in the Marlborough Sounds region, but does provide a unique look at the influence Polynesian roots continue to have on the people. It is also worth spending some time wandering through the buildings and its surrounding grounds.
Waikawa Marae
Address: 210 Waikawa Rd, Waikawa 7220, New Zealand
Website: Waikawa Marae
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. See a sunken ship with Go Dive Marlborough
Posted by Go Dive Marlborough on Tuesday, 27 August 2019
Go Dive Marlborough gives you the chance to uncover some fascinating history underwater by jumping overboard with trained guides to dive to the wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov, a sunken Russian vessel. This tour is an overnight adventure so be sure to set aside 24 hours at least to complete this adventure – and book ahead! The basic 24-hour tour starts with a bus trip through the forests of some of the Sounds to reach Port Gore on the tip of the South Island where you’ll spend the night in the lodge. The next morning, following a series of training videos and equipment outfitting, the tour will boat out to the wreck and you’ll be able to put your new scuba diving training to the test as you dive down to the Lermontov.
Go Dive Marlborough
Address: 66 Wellington St, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Website: Go Dive Marlborough
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: From 340 USD
8. Shop for adventure gear at Picton Sportsworld
Just a quick pic of Sportsworld Picton showing some of the stock. Why not come in for a look.
Posted by Sportsworld Picton on Thursday, 8 June 2017
Picton Sportsworld provides locals and visitors a place to come in and equip themselves for any kind of adventure in the outdoors! If you’re feeling like fishing in one of the bays, they have anything you’ll need, from bait and tackle, to fishing wire and fishing pole. Planning a camping trip? Well, they stock plenty of accessories to outfit your campsite. Or, if you’re looking for just a couple of sports balls for a day on the beach, Picton Sportsworld offers a wide selection so everyone will find something suitable to their particular activity!
Picton Sportsworld
Address: 8 High St, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Website: Picton Sportsworld
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm; Sat: 8:30am - 2:30pm (closed on Sun)
9. Climb to the summit of Tirohanga Track
The Tirohanga Track hiking trail wastes no time in its hilltop ascent. The track takes about 45 minutes to complete one way, covering 0.74 uphill miles (1.2 km) through the forested landscape. One of the best places to visit in Picton, New Zealand, Tirohanga Track’s summit treats hikers to a sweeping view overlooking Picton and the adjacent town of Waikawa.
There a two entry points to the Tirohanga Track; the first begins at Newgate Street, and the other at Garden Terrace which offers two other hiking trails through Essons Valley in case you’re feeling extra adventurous and desire to spend the whole day exploring Picton’s hillsides!
Tirohanga Track
Address: 26 Newgate St, Picton 7220, New Zealand
10. Treat yourself to some stunning pieces from EVOLVE Boutique
Posted by Evolve Picton NZ on Tuesday, 28 May 2019
If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon or maybe are in need of some red heels for tomorrow’s dinner date, stop by EVOLVE Boutique on High Street for a little shopping spree. This New Zealand original boutique offers a range of styles and items, from casual wear for outfitting your office days, to jewelry pieces you’ll want to show off at your best friend’s wedding. No matter if you’re looking for something simple or something fancy, EVOLVE Boutique and its friendly staff of fashion experts are guaranteed to help you find what you’re shopping for!
EVOLVE Boutique
Address: 42 High St, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Website: EVOLVE Boutique
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm
11. Shop local at FreshChoice Picton
Maybe you’re heading to the Bay for the day and want a picnic lunch for the beach. Or maybe you want an authentic experience of New Zealand grocery items and want to cook up your own meal in your Airbnb. FreshChoice Picton is a highly recommended and visited grocery store providing its shoppers with the freshest, richest selection of local and imported food and drink. Check out their options of local New Zealand wines, stop by the bakery section for some homemade breads, and pick up a delicious cut of meat from the deli to make for a truly delicious dinner!
FreshChoice Picton
Address: 100 High St, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Website: FreshChoice Picton
Opening hours: 7am - 7:30pm (daily)
12. Get your souvenirs at Spotlight On New Zealand
Posted by Visit Picton New Zealand on Friday, 6 October 2017
Located right on High Street in the bustling heart of Picton, Spotlight on New Zealand provides a perfect one stop shop for all your souvenir needs. You’ll be able to browse through a selection of New Zealand made gifts, such as pottery, as well as pick out postcards for all your scrapbooking needs. Choose a merino possum knitted item to take some beautiful New Zealand craftwork home with you, or to give as a cozy memento!
Spotlight On New Zealand
Address: 19 High St, Picton 7220, New Zealand
13. Sample Irish grub at Seumus's Irish Bar
Seumus’s Irish Bar is an award-winning restaurant and bar pouring the best pint of Guinness outside of Dublin itself. Pop in on any day of the week and you’re bound to be treated to a live music performance in the bar’s live music room. Prefer a quieter conversation after a long day of sightseeing? Well, Seumus’ offers you that choice, too, as the place is split into three rooms, one for music, one for the main bar, and the third for the restaurant – or slip into the back where you’ll find a cozy patio! No matter where you choose, the food and drinks will delight and the environment and music will charm!
Seumus's Irish Bar
Address: 25 Wellington St, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Website: Seumus’s Irish Bar
Opening hours: 12pm - 1am (daily)
14. Gorge on delicious drinks and dishes at Cafe Cortado
Cafe Cortado offers an extensive menu of widely influenced flavors, from local New Zealand wines to South African coffees. Stop in for brunch one morning and pair one of the Ethiopian blends with an avocado toast or a plate of salmon scrambled eggs. Come in a little later with friends, and order a couple of tapas for the table to share. Or, choose some delicious seafood from the dinner menu and be sure to enquire which of the wines would best accompany your dinner selection!
Cafe Cortado
Address: Corner High St and, London Quay, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Website: Cafe Cortado
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 8am - 9:45pm
15. Enjoy the relaxing vibes of Le Café
Le Café boasts of the finest views and the finest coffee in Picton so you had better take some time from your itinerary to see what all the hype is about! Le Café has a menu which is always changing, making sure it’s not quite the same as your last visit, but always promising a dedication to using locally sourced products in their recipes. No matter what you pick, it promises to be delicious and you’ll be able to enjoy your meal while listening to the live musicians which frequently perform here. Le Café is just as much about the fabulous environment as it is about the food!
Le Café
Address: 12-14 London Quay, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Website: Le Café
Opening hours: 8am - 1pm (daily)
16. Try the delicious baked goods at Picton Village Bakkerij
Posted by Picton Village Bakkerij on Friday, 4 May 2018
Picton Village Bakkerij is baking up more than just your average dinner roll. This award-winning bakery is known throughout the globe for their rich, melt-in-your-mouth baguettes, rolls, muffins, and pastries. Their original store opened in Picton in 2001, after gaining increasing popularity at the local Farmer’s Market, and is now open regularly to provide guests with some of the freshest baked goods they’ve ever tasted! So make sure to stop by and sample a scone with your regular morning coffee or tea!
Picton Village Bakkerij
Address: 46 Auckland St, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Website: Picton Village Bakkerij
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 4pm; Sat: 6am - 3:30pm (closed on Sun)
17. Escape for a day to Lochmara Lodge (from USD 45.0)
The magical Lochmara Lodge is tucked into the Queen Charlotte Sound and can only be reached via ferry or hiking. If you opt for the ferry, be sure to stand on deck at the railing, because you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, seals, or little blue penguins in the shimmering waters. When the ferry docks, you will have the day to explore the coastline. Kayak on the turquoise waters of Lochmara Bay, book a tour of the “Underwater Observatory” (additional fee), get lost in the luscious surrounding forests hiking one of the trails, and then return to the lodge for a pick-me-up at the waterfront cafe before catching the ferry back home.
Marlborough Sounds Day Visit to Lochmara
Duration: 5 to 8 hours
18. Go behind the scenes at EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (from USD 27.0)
EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre sits right on the shoreline and houses dozens of unique animal species which visitors have the chance to meet in a behind-the-scenes tour of the Centre. The tour, which runs approximately an hour-and-a-half, is offered daily at 10am, 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm and is led by knowledgeable staff members who take you to meet the beautiful native creatures of the Marlborough Sounds. Gaze at the giant squid, peek into the enclosure of the sweet little blue penguins, learn more about the rare “living fossil” tuatara, and listen to the calls of the red and yellow kakarikis. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the experience of engaging with these animals!
EcoWorld Aquarium, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Admission
Duration: 1 hour
19. Hike the scenic Queen Charlotte Track (from USD 66.0)
The stunning Queen Charlotte Track requires an entire day to complete, but is well worth the time for all ages wanting to experience the rich landscape firsthand. Meet on the Picton Town Wharf and take an hour-long ferry across the Queen Charlotte Sound. You’ll be treated to live commentary and views of the sound which few other tours provide. When you arrive at Resolution Bay, you’ll begin your trek through the 6.5 miles (10.5 km) of native forest, offering picturesque views to excite the hearts of photographers and onlookers alike! When you arrive at the Furneaux Lodge, you’ll have the opportunity to rest while waiting for the cruise ship to return you home, the perfect close to your hiking adventure.
Marlborough Sounds Cruise & 3-Hour Scenic Walk
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
So much exploring to be done
Picton, New Zealand, is undoubtedly a gorgeous treasure trove of natural beauty. From hikes to bays to swimming and boating locations within the Sounds, Picton provides opportunities for all kinds of exploring and sightseeing. Whether you choose to spend your time visiting with the local wildlife, diving to the depths of the sea, or sampling all the delicious food in the city, Picton will leave no one with the option of being bored!
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Picton, New Zealand
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