New Zealand Luxury Motels

 
Picton is a relaxed seaport town nestled on the waters edge in the Queen Charlotte Sound at the top of the South Island. It is the gateway to the beautiful waterways of the Marlborough Sounds.

The Cook Straight Ferry Terminal sits at one end of the town and links the North and South Islands with regular ferry sailings between Wellington and Picton.

Made up of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds, collectively known as ‘The Sounds’ this area consists of 1500 km of coastline and can be easily explored on the water by luxury charter launch, sail or motorboat or kayak and on foot via The Queen Charlotte Track.
 

This 67km walkway passes through lush coastal forest, around coves and inlets, and along skyline ridges offering breathtaking views of the Sounds. There are many entry and exist points, so a short walk or full 3- 4 day walk is possible. There are many resorts and accommodation providers along the way.
 

Recommended visitor attractions and activities in Picton

• Relax on the waterfront and watch the boating activity
• Take a boat cruise for sight seeing or dolphin watching
• Take a fishing charter trip
• Walk the Queen Charlotte Track
• Day trip to nearby Havelock and the Queen Charlotte Drive

What's your preferred level of activity?
 

Action adventure
Kayaking, mountain biking, watersports,

Moderate activities
Queen Charlotte Walking Track, hands on sailing,

Relaxing activities
Boat cruise, green shell mussel cruise, fishing charter, sailing charter, dolphin watch cruise.
 

Children and young families
Explore local swimming beaches, short walking tracks, Eco World Aquarium to view the sea horse and tuatara.

Getting to Picton

Self drive by road
Distance from
Picton to Nelson (via Queen Charlotte Drive) 110km (68 miles) 2 hours 30 minutes
Picton to Christchurch 336km (209 miles) 5 hours
Picton to Blenheim 28km (17miles) 30 minutes

Rail Services
Kiwi Rail operates the Coastal Pacific train, which links Picton to Christchurch. It connects with the Interislander ferry in Picton and journey time is 5 hours 20 minutes.
 

Ferry Services
The Lynx and The Interislander ferries operate between Wellington and Picton.
These ferries link with Tranz Scenic train services in Wellington and Picton, for connecting onward rail journeys.
 

Air services
The nearest airport is Blenheim a 30 minute drive from Picton. There are regular flights in and out of the Marlborough region by Air New Zealand and
Sounds Air – Provides a daily service from Wellington to Picton. Connections are available to do same day wine tours, fishing trips and the Marlborough Sounds. The flying time is 25 minutes.