21 FUN Things to do in Picton, New Zealand

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The small but scenic coastal town of Picton is a very popular holiday destination on the South Island, as it’s where you catch the ferry to the North Island (the ferry arrives in Wellington). 

Not only is Picton one of the most stunning coastal regions in the world (Queen Charlotte Sound is especially spectacular!), but there are loads of fun things to do in this small town. Fancy joining the local postman on his unique delivery route, strolling along the main street, or maybe swimming with wild dolphins? You’re sure to keep busy while visiting Picton.

One of the best wine regions in New Zealand and in fact the whole Southern Hemisphere, the Marlborough, is close by too, so you can spend a day wine-tasting and having lunch in one of the stunning vineyard settings. And that’s just a tiny snippet of the best things to do in Picton!

In this blog, I’ve listed 21 of the very best things to do in Picton, New Zealand, all of which have my personal stamp of approval! So without further ado, let’s explore what this cute seaside town has to offer.

21 Things to do in Picton, New Zealand

1. Cruise the Marlborough Sounds

One of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand to go on a cruise is the Marlborough Sounds. Stretching over 1500 km (932 mi), this coastline is filled to the brim with wildlife and so many incredible photo opportunities! Best visited during the summer, this is one activity you shouldn’t miss out on while stopping by Picton.

From town, you have several tours to choose from, but one of my personal favorites is this 4-hour Mail Boat Cruise. Would you believe the mail is delivered by boat to hard-to-reach homes in the Queen Charlotte Sound, and has been for over 150 years!? 

Joining the postman on their mail day seemed like such a fun and novel idea to me, so I knew I had to give this tour a try for myself. We even got to stop at one of the secluded beaches along the Queen Charlotte Sound, which was such a treat. Joined by a seasoned local, there’s no better way to learn all kinds of fun facts and listen to some local stories.

Prices for this half-day tour start from $112 NZD per person, and I’d recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.

The other boat tour I personally love is this full-day catamaran cruise with wine and lunch. It’s the best of both worlds – scenic water views and excellent wines, something I know a lot of us can get behind. In the morning, you’ll cruise through the sounds on a comfortable catamaran, taking in all the spectacular coastal scenery. The water here is so clear and perfect for photos! 

Around lunchtime, you’ll go ashore to Saint Clair Winery to enjoy lunch and a wine tasting. You will also visit up to 2 other wineries on this tour, turning this already scenic cruise into its own little wine tour! Pick-up and drop-off are available from both Picton and Blenheim.

This tour starts from $345 NZD per person, and you can book online here in advance.

2. Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary

Tucked away on Motuara Island, about an hour away by boat from Picton, you’ll find the calm and tranquil Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary. Home to tui, bellbirds, kererū, robin fantails, and parakeets, this sanctuary was made a designated wildlife reserve back in 1920 and now, thanks to a heroic effort by volunteers and the Department of Conservation, is predator-free.

This unique island is also a great place to spot penguin chicks in nesting boxes, and if you’re really lucky, the nocturnal Okarito brown kiwi. Remember, kiwis are very shy creatures, so it’s difficult to spot them! Plus, they only like to come out when it’s dark.

Another kiwi species you may see on the island is the Rowi Kiwi. Would you believe there are only 400 of these left in New Zealand? 

Motuara Island is part of Operation Nest Egg, which is a project designed to protect kiwis from predators. When the Rowi are born in Okarito on the West Coast, they are transferred here to safely grow to adolescence in a predator-free environment. Once they are big and strong enough, the Rowi are returned home to Okarito.

There’s also a lovely 30-minute walking track that you can follow on the island, which is about 800 m (2,625 ft) long and has a relatively moderate incline, but if you’re generally fit, then you should have no problems with this one.

Of course, you’ll need a boat to visit Motuara Island, with the most common way to get there being as part of a scenic tour! Operating between October and April, this half-day tour to Motuara Island would be my personal pick, as it includes a visit to the bird sanctuary, as well as plenty of time sightseeing off the coast.

Departing in the morning, you’ll be back in Picton by early afternoon, leaving you free to grab some lunch in town, and maybe even go on a wine tour (more on this later)! Tickets for this scenic cruise cost $190 NZD per person and can be booked online here.

3. Join a dolphin cruise

There’s nothing quite a graceful pod of dolphins swimming alongside your boat to put a smile on your face! The waters around Picton are home to a number of dolphin species, including hector, bottlenose, and dusky dolphins.

That said, joining a dolphin cruise like this half-day dolphin eco tour from Picton is the best way to get up close to these beautiful creatures. Joined by marine biologists, you couldn’t ask for better company!

As you travel, your expert local guides will point out fur seals, rare seabirds, as well as dolphins. This is a great tour option for photography lovers, as the boat will bring you as close as is safe to the sea life.

This tour also includes a short tour of the Motuara Island bird sanctuary, which I’ve detailed earlier. It costs about $149 NZD per person and lasts for four hours, so don’t forget to book in advance to secure your spot!

Did you know – Dolphins actually give each other names! It’s been shown that dolphins can remember names for more than 20 years.

4. Hike the Queen Charlotte Track

One of the most popular and most beautiful hikes in New Zealand is the Queen Charlotte Track, which lies between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. The walking track has unrivaled views of both sounds, as well as viewpoints down to gorgeous bays and the chance to explore the lush native bush.

Three of the most popular routes on the track are Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet, and Torea Bay, all varying in length. For example, the Ship Cove to Endeavor Inlet is 17 km (10.5 miles) and will take 5.5 hours, and Endeavor Inlet to Camp Bay is 11.5 km (7.4 miles) and will take 4 hours.

If you wish to walk the entire Queen Charlotte Track, it will take you about four days, and it’s 73.5 km (45.6 miles) in length, but there are several accommodation options on the track.

This self-guided tour provides return boat transfers to the start and end of your hike, where you’ll then enjoy a self-guided hike along one of the three routes. So, it’s good to do some research on each track yourself beforehand to find out which of the three hikes you’d prefer to try!

If you’re on a tight schedule, it’s worth noting that you will not be returned to Picton until approximately 6 pm. That said, while you’re aboard the boat, you’ll enjoy live commentary and have another opportunity to snap up a few more photos. Tickets for this self-guided tour cost $96 NZD per person and can be booked online here.

5. Go on a wine tour

One of the best wine-growing regions in New Zealand, if not the Southern Hemisphere, is the Marlborough region. The Sauvignon Blanc here is world-renowned, and do you know the best part? Being in Picton means you’re right on the doorstep of the many incredible wineries that call the Marlborough home!

The Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard is a local favorite that serves a beautiful lunch (definitely try the beetroot waffles), and the wines here are first-rate. Just a 20-minute drive from Picton, enjoying a nice lunch and sampling a few delicious wines at Saint Clair is a great way to spend your afternoon.

If you’re on the hunt for a more comprehensive experience, then I’ve got you covered! There are lots of great wine tours in the Picton area, where you can relax, drink as much wine as you like, and not have to worry about organizing a designated driver.

On this half-day wine tasting tour, you’ll visit up to 5 wineries, where you’ll try an assortment of wines and tour the vineyards. There’s also a lunch stop, which I should note is an additional charge. You’ll also be joined by a local guide, who will be happy to answer any questions you have and ensure that you have an enjoyable experience!

With the chance to taste some locally-made chocolates en route back to Picton at the end of the day, I can easily say that this is a great option for those who wish to sample the wines and not have to worry about driving or arranging transport.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off in Picton, and prices start from $240 NZD per person. You can check availability online and secure your spot in advance here.

Related Read: If you love wine, be sure to visit some of the best wineries in Queenstown. There are also some really great wine tours in Queenstown!

6. Sea kayaking

While I love exploring lakes and the sea aboard a comfortable cruise ship, there’s something so relaxing about taking a kayak out and letting the world pass me by! And in a place as full of wildlife as the waters around Picton, you can be sure that you’ll see something on your adventure.

Probably the most straightforward way to rent out a kayak is part of a guided tour, and I’d personally recommend this half-day sea kayaking tour that takes place on the western side of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Not only are the guides a blast to explore with, but at around 3 hours of kayaking, it’s the perfect amount of time to truly get immersed in the stunning scenery here.

See if you can spot blue penguins, fur seals, and even dolphins from your kayak! On the journey, your guide will tell you all about the history of the area, as well as point out any important sights or wildlife along the way.

Starting in Picton, this small group tour costs just $110 NZD per person and can be booked online here.

7. Coastal Pacific Journey

The Coastal Pacific train journey is one of the best train journeys in New Zealand. Starting in Picton and ending in Christchurch, it draws in thousands of visitors every year, looking to enjoy the epic coastal views.

Of course, the highlight of this train journey is that it features 98 km (61 mi) of stunning South Island coastline. In fact, the train tracks are so close to the Pacific Ocean that at times you feel like you could reach out and touch it! When you’re this close to the ocean, you can expect to see fur seals and dolphins frolicking in the ocean from the comfort of your seat.

There is GPS-enabled audio available, and headphones come with every seat so you can learn all about the sights you’re seeing as your train passes through. 

The train departs on select days of the week from Picton Railway Station. All in all, the journey takes 5 hours and 13 minutes one way, so I highly recommend spending the night in Christchurch and returning to Picton the next day. Or, simply stay and explore all of the fun things to do in Christchurch!

Tickets for the Coastal Pacific train journey cost $184 NZD per person, and you can book them in advance here to secure your spot.

Related Read: From Christchurch, you can embark on an epic road trip. Check out the road trip from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, it’s one of my favorites! Or, head from Christchurch to Queenstown!

8. Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary

Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary is a restored 40-hectare island connected to the mainland near Picton Harbour. It’s one of the best places in Picton for wildlife viewing! On the 2.7 km (1.7 mi) loop track, you will spot lots of native wildlife, such as tui, bellbirds, fantails, kereru, korora (also referred to as “the little penguin”), and a native type of gecko. 

From March through July, you are also likely to spot dozens of New Zealand fur seals on the jetty, too. It’s a relatively easy walking track and is suitable for the whole family. All in all, I recommend allowing 2 hours to complete the full loop track.

You can reach Kaipapu on a 10-minute boat ride from Picton, or you can rent a kayak in Picton and kayak here yourself, where you can park your kayak on the new kayak ramp here. It is free to visit, but a donation is welcome.

Fun fact – This area was once a ‘kai’ or food-gathering site for native Maori!

9. Grab a coffee and meal at Toastie Picton

Toastie Picton is located right on the seafront, next to Picton Memorial Park, so you get beautiful views along with some of the best toasties known to man! It’s a simple spot with deliciously tongue-in-cheek branding.

Some of their top toasties include “Pete from Picton” which is basically the toastie version of a smoked salmon bagel, and the “Ivan” with pickles, sauerkraut, and pastrami (my personal favorite!) This really is the perfect place to start your day with a toastie and coffee to fuel up for a day exploring Picton.

Toastie Picton is open daily from 6:30 am to 4 pm, and you can see their menu over on their website.

10. Go on a scenic flight

One of the best ways to see the Marlborough Sounds is on a scenic flight from Picton. From up in the sky, you’ll see the sparkling blue waters of the sounds, secluded homes, native bush, and during certain times of the year, whales! There are several tour options to choose from, and all are surprisingly budget-friendly.

This 20-minute flight option flies over the Pelorous, Kenepuru, and Queen Charlotte Sounds and costs just $159 NZD per person. Make sure to bring your camera with you because I’m sure you’ll want to snap a shot or five while soaring this high!

This 45-minute flight will give you some truly epic views of all three sounds as well as D’Urville Island, Port Gore, and Ship Cove. It even includes a short landing on a remote beach, where you can get out and stretch your legs! This particular tour costs $324 NZD per person. 

A scenic flight is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Picton, and as you can imagine, is especially popular with couples.

Related Read: In nearby Kaikoura, you can do a scenic flight that is actually a whale watching tour! Learn all about whale watching in Kaikoura here.

11. Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum

The Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum, located in Picton Memorial Park, is a great place to learn about the area’s history. You’ll find hundreds of historical artifacts from the area displayed here, dating as far back as the 1700s. There’s also a large number of very important Maori artifacts, as well as whaling and maritime treasures collected throughout the years.

Picton actually has a long history of whaling, dating as far back as 1820. In fact, the last whaling station in the country was right here in Picton and was set up by the Perano family in Fishing Bay. It closed, not that long ago actually, in 1964!

The Museum tells the story of the families who called Picton home and how Picton was developed from a Pa (a Maori village) named Waitohi. 

Entrance to the Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum costs just $10 NZD per adult and $1 NZD per child. It is also a great place to escape the heat, as it can get very warm in Picton during the summer months (with temperatures reaching as high as 23 Celsius or 73 Fahrenheit) and the museum has air conditioning.

The Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum is open most days between 10 am and 3 pm.

12. Edwin Fox Museum

Speaking of museums, the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum on Dunbar Pier is actually the oldest merchant sailing ship in the world! Visitors can climb aboard the ship to get a real feel of what life on a 19th-century convict ship was like – this ship was used to transport convicts to Australia! You can visit the hull and see where the ship’s staff slept.

The Edwin Fox Ship is a fantastic piece of World heritage. As part of the experience, you can watch an informative documentary about the history of the Museum and its founder Edwin Fox as well as check out the numerous artifacts on display, which includes a 100-year-old Marlborough clinker dinghy (a tiny wooden boat).

The ship has been lovingly preserved over the last 30 years and sits in a dry dock here in Picton for all to explore and enjoy.

Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, I’d allow one hour here to take everything in! Tickets cost $10 NZD per adult, and $5 NZD for children aged 5 to 14.

13. Tirohanga Track

Now it’s time to get out of town and stretch our legs for a bit!

The Tirohanga Track is a short 1.2 km (0.7 mi) track that leads through native forest up to a viewpoint with one of the best views of Picton and Waikawa. You can choose to start the track from Garden Terrace, just outside the town center, or Newgate Street.

The track should take at most 45 minutes to complete. However, if you consider yourself fit, you could easily complete it in 25 minutes. Now, there’s a challenge!

Definitely bring a picnic because the viewpoint is one of the best views in all of Picton. From this high vantage point, you can see Picton Marina, some of Queen Charlotte Sound, and if you time it right, the giant inter-islander ferries making their way to and from Wellington.  

Although this track is well-formed, because of the steep climb, I would recommend it for those with a reasonable level of fitness.

Related Read: Picton is also one of the best day trips from Wellington!

14. Paua Pearl Tour

Paua pearls are some of New Zealand’s rarest and most valuable pearls, and from Picton you can head out on an adventure to see where they come from!

On this 4-hour Paua pearl tour, you’ll take a boat journey to a remote island to see where the Paua pearls are grown, also called the Blue Pearl. These are incredibly unique, and on your tour, you will get to see various different sizes of Paua.

It’s a one-hour boat journey from Picton to Arapawa Island, which is where the Paua pearls are grown. It’s a small island that was once used as a whaling base. I have to say that this is one of the more unique tours on this list, which allows you to see the inner workings of the pearling and Paua industry in New Zealand – both are very lucrative markets, as you can imagine!

The tour of the island will take about an hour, and your informative guides are actually the owners of the Paua business – the Radon family.

At the end of the tour, you will be taken to the Radon family home, where you will be served some snacks and drinks. Plus, you will get to view the rare and exclusive pearl set in stunning jewelry. Did you know this is the only place in the world where you can buy this unique type of pearl?

Pricing for this private tour is $1040 NZD for the first 1 to 4 guests, and an additional $260 NZD per person after the first 4.

15. Queen Charlotte View

If you’re after a short walk that offers phenomenal views, then the 30-minute walk from the Snout Track car park to Queen Charlotte View has to be one of the best short walks in the area. It is quite a steep climb to the viewpoint, hence why it’s rated as moderate. But the walk-up is quite clear, meaning there’s not much bush in the way, so the views pretty much the whole climb are great!

When the skies are clear and the sun is out, it doesn’t get much better than taking a picnic and enjoying the incredible views of Queen Charlotte Sound from the viewpoint.

Hot tip: This viewpoint is one of the best places in Picton to catch the sunset!

16. Visit the Snout

Essentially a longer version of the previous hike, the Snout Track is a firm favorite with Picton locals. That’s because you’re still getting a decent workout in (allow at least 4 hours to complete the track), and you’re witnessing some of the best views in the Marlborough Sounds on your walk. In fact, many locals complete this track before or after work during the summer months.

The track starts at the Snout Track car park, above Endeavour Park. The first section of the walk takes you to the Queen Charlotte View, and from here, it’s about an hour to the picnic area at the tip of the headland. Both viewpoints boast excellent views of the ocean and sounds.

You can walk a slightly shorter version by starting at the Victoria Domain car park. This option will take about 3 hours return.

There’s also a new mountain biking trail, which takes you to the Snout – the Kanuka Trail is a Grade 2 return trail, which is 3.5 km (2.2 mi) in length. It begins from the Westside mountain bike trail and is a decent workout!

17. Picton Memorial Park

Memorial Park, off Waikawa Road in Picton, remembers those New Zealanders who tragically lost their lives during World War II. It is divided into two parts, with the northern side of the park once being a tidal lagoon where rowing regattas were held in the early 1900s.

This section became part of the memorial park in 1950, and now, there’s a large grassy area here that is popular with young families playing football, rugby, and even enjoying picnics.

The second part of the park is the main entrance to Picton Marina and Shelly Beach. The rest of the park is very dog-friendly, and if you’re a dog-lover, you’ll love it here. However, dogs are not permitted in the second part of the park.

18. Visit a nearby beach

Picton is a beach-lover’s idea of heaven. In fact, this is one of my favorite coastal areas in all of New Zealand! New Zealand beaches are known for not only being stunning but also being less crowded than in other countries, and the beaches in Picton are no different.

One of the best beaches in the area, in my opinion, is the peaceful surroundings of Governors Bay. The beach here is small and surrounded by lush green trees. It tends to be a popular spot for locals who bring their boats and yachts into the bay.

Worth noting is there is a public toilet located here, but no other facilities. You can reach the beach via a short walking track. It’s a 15-minute drive from Picton on the road towards Nelson.

Other awesome beaches include Shelley Beach in Picton town, which is a flat beach popular with swimmers. It can get very busy due to its close proximity to the town center. Bob’s Bay is a small beach, a 10-minute walk from Picton Wharf – it’s not as popular as the previous two, so it’s a great place to come and relax in peace!

19. Enjoy the scenic drive to Havelock

The Queen Charlotte Drive is a spectacular winding road that links Picton to Havelock. It’s no surprise then that this is often described by drivers as one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world! At every turn, you’ll have epic views across the stunning blue ocean, beach bays, and lush vegetation.

The drive itself is 34.8 km (21.6 miles) and will take 40 minutes each way but considering all the awesome stops on the drive. I recommend turning this drive into a full-day affair!

The best stops include Cullen Point Lookout and Momorangi Bay, which is an area popular with locals for fishing and swimming. Governors Bay, which I’ve described earlier, is also an important part of this route. Last but not least, Cullen Point Lookout is well worth spending a few hours at as it has two lovely walking tracks.

The Queen Charlotte Drive makes up a gorgeous part of the early drive between Picton and Nelson, so if you fancy a bit of a road trip after you’re finished up with the activities in town, why not go and check out all the fun things to do in Nelson next?

20. Eat seafood

In an area surrounded by the ocean, you better believe there’s plenty of good seafood to enjoy in Picton. This area is especially famous for its snapper and red cod! 

One of the most up-market seafood restaurants in Picton is located on London Quay. Cortado Restaurant and Bar offers waterfront views with a huge seafood menu. I hear their mussels are excellent! Closed on Tuesdays, but open every other day of the week, this is a spot well worth considering.

For something more casual, Kiwi Takeaways on Wellington Street is a great place to pick up some fresh fish and chips and take it to the Marina to enjoy. This place gets very busy, and it’s typically just a one-woman show. Yep, the lady owner tends to do the cooking, the serving, and accepting the payments! They’re open daily from 11 am to 8 pm, but close for lunch between 2 pm and 4:30 pm.

21. Swimming with dolphins!

Did you know that in the Marlborough Sounds you can go swimming with dolphins, an activity for the bucket list for sure! This tour from Picton actually allows you to swim with wild bottlenose, common, or hector dolphins – provided the water conditions are favorable. 

You will receive all the necessary gear (wetsuits with hoods and booties), and your experienced guide will be on hand to go through the safety briefing. The water temperature here averages 17 °C (63 °F). It’s some of the warmest waters in New Zealand – which is a big plus for me!

This tour is Department of Conservation permitted and classed as eco-friendly, meaning the utmost care and consideration is given to the wild dolphins.

The tour departs from Picton waterfront and costs $199 NZD per adult. You must secure your spot in advance, as this is easily one of the most popular things to do in Picton.

Related Read: Heading to Wellington? Be sure to visit Zealandia Ecosanctuary while you’re there!

Where to Stay in Picton, New Zealand

Picton may be a small town, but there are a ton of great places to stay. The truth is, picking a hotel with a great location is important because, let’s face it, I’m you really want to enjoy the natural scenery and be near the coast!

Atlantis Backpackers – $

If you’re a budget traveler, I’m sure you will love Atlantis Backpackers! I stayed here once when I was transporting my car from Auckland to Queenstown and simply wanted a cheap place to stay. The hostel is tons of fun, and it’s easy to meet other travelers. It’s located close to the marina and right next to Picton Memorial Park.

A bed in a dorm here starts from around $25 NZD per night – talk about scenic views on a budget! You can check availability and book your stay online here.

Harbour View Motel – $$

If you can spend a little more, then you’ll really get a nice upgrade. The Harbour View Motel is one of my favorite hotels in Picton because of its amazing location and views. From your room, you can stare out at the gorgeous marina and enjoy sunset drinks on your balcony – pure travel bliss!

The staff here are also super friendly and happy to help you out if you have any questions during your stay in Picton. Rooms here start at $173 NZD per night for a double room, and you can book in advance on Booking.com here.

Picton Waterfront Luxury Apartments – $$$

Are you looking for a luxury stay? Well, I’ve got you covered! The Picton Waterfront Luxury Apartments is one of the most luxurious options in Picton. These self-contained apartments are as waterfront as you can get, and the rooms come with large balconies and ocean views.

You’re also just a 2-minute walk from Picton town, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat at the end of a busy day. With rooms starting at around $500 NZD per night, it’s not the cheapest place to stay, but you do get some serious Picton luxury for your money! You can check availability and book your stay here.

Thanks for reading!

I hope this blog has given you some inspiration for your vacation in Picton. As you can see, there is lots to do here (I’ve only touched the surface in this blog). In fact, I recommend spending a few nights in Picton to truly experience the best the coast has to offer.

So, thanks for reading! Do let me know down in the comments what you plan to do while you’re in Picton, and if you’re looking for some bonus marks, I’ve included a few more blogs below that I think you’ll find interesting:

The Absolute BEST Doubtful Sound Tour from Queenstown

10 BEST Abel Tasman Tours from Nelson, Kaiteriteri, and Mārahau

12 BEST Things to do in Motueka + Guide to Visiting