Picton Harbour Tours and Activities

Picton Harbour showing boating, night scenes and a bridge
Picton Harbour featuring a sunset, a bay or harbour and a marina
Picton Harbour featuring a marina, mountains and a bay or harbour
Picton Harbour showing a sunset and a marina
Picton Harbour showing sailing, a bay or harbour and forests


Visit a floating maritime museum, board a chartered fishing boat and relax beneath the tall palms that line one of New Zealand’s most important harbours.

Each year Picton Harbour welcomes millions of visitors arriving from the North Island of New Zealand. If you are arriving by ferry, be prepared for a stunning first impression. Picton Harbour is a picturesque and tranquil natural harbour surrounded by cascading mountains and lined by some of Picton’s best alfresco dining establishments. Located at the south of Queen Charlotte Sound, the harbour is a great place to begin your adventures exploring the islands, bays and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. After exploring New Zealand’s rugged South Island, return to Picton to rejuvenate with some creature comforts.

Spend a day strolling through the harbour-front precinct to discover independent galleries, craft stores and a range of dining options. The Marlborough region is internationally renowned for its high-quality produce and Picton Harbour is an ideal place to try this delicious food and drink. Settle in at an alfresco restaurant to sample some of the country’s finest wines and enjoy freshly caught seafood straight from the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Venture to the waterfront to learn about the history of the harbour at the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum. The museum is housed within the world’s 9th-oldest ship, the Edwin Fox, and is permanently moored in the harbour. Learn stories of the ship’s round-the-world voyage as you make your way through the permanent exhibits.

Board a slightly younger boat to explore Queen Charlotte Sound. Fishing charters, dolphin-watching tours and ferries to New Zealand’s North Island all depart from the harbour. For a slower pace, rent a sea kayak to explore the southern end of the sound.

Picton Harbour is located in the heart of Picton where ample parking is available. Find accommodation within walking distance of the harbour. Trains, buses and car rental facilities are also in the area.

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Water activities

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Reviews of Picton Harbour

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
222
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
134
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

There was a festival on and it was packed so we didnt go down there. At night there was massive (unexpected) fireworks and live music. Made for a very noisy night.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Enjoyable trip on the mail boat, delivering mail to remote residents at various points around Queen Charlotte Sounds.


Top Picton Harbour Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Picton Beachcomber Inn

Picton Beachcomber Inn

3 out of 5
27 Waikawa Road, Picton
Picton Beachcomber Inn
Harbour View Motel

Harbour View Motel

4.5 out of 5
30 Waikawa Road, Picton
Harbour View Motel
Edit Picton

Edit Picton

3.5 out of 5
25 Waikawa Road, Marlborough, Picton
Edit Picton
Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel

Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel

4 out of 5
32 High Street (Main Street), Picton
Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel
Jasmine Court Motel

Jasmine Court Motel

4 out of 5
78 Wellington Street, Picton
Jasmine Court Motel
The Boathouse Lodge

The Boathouse Lodge

2 out of 5
9 Auckland St, Picton, Marlborough
The Boathouse Lodge
Broadway Motel

Broadway Motel

4.5 out of 5
113 High Street, Picton
Broadway Motel
Aldan Lodge Motel

Aldan Lodge Motel

3 out of 5
86 Wellington Street, Picton
Aldan Lodge Motel
Picton Waterfront Apartments

Picton Waterfront Apartments

4 out of 5
3/6 London Quay, Picton, Marlborough
Picton Waterfront Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Picton Harbour

In Picton Harbour, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as ferry rides, boating, and scenic walks. Key experiences include charter boat trips, dolphin watching, fishing, sea kayaking, and exploring dive sites. Whether you're looking for adventure on the water or a relaxing day by the shore, Picton Harbour offers something for everyone.

Shopping

In Picton Harbour, you can explore local shops like the Picton Village Mall for unique souvenirs and gifts. If you're up for a drive, head to Blenheim's The Forum or The Marlborough Farmers' Market for a wider selection of artisan products and local delicacies.

Recreation

Explore Victoria Domain, a serene recreational area just 1.6km from Picton Harbour, perfect for relaxation and leisurely strolls amidst nature. For a more active experience, head to Marlborough Golf Club, located 29.0km away, where you can enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Adventure

The Queen Charlotte Walkway offers breathtaking views and a fantastic hiking experience, located 25.7km from Picton Harbour. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and native flora while exploring this scenic trail. Alternatively, Bike 2 Wine, situated 29.0km away, invites you to savour the beautiful outdoors while cycling through stunning vineyards.

Nightlife

For an enjoyable evening in Picton Harbour, catch a performance at the ASB Theatre Marlborough, known for its vibrant culture and family-friendly atmosphere. Alternatively, explore local pubs for a relaxed night out, embracing the warm community spirit of the area.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Picton Harbour

Picton Harbour offers a delightful mix of urban parks, charming neighbourhoods, and nearby islands, making it a perfect destination for culture and outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the stunning views from the Picton Harbour Lookout, explore the Maritime Museum, and discover the significance of Port Marlborough. With its important harbours and beautiful surroundings, Picton is an ideal spot for an unforgettable Kiwi holiday.

  • Picton Foreshore: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Picton Foreshore, located 644m from the harbour. This scenic area offers picturesque views, walking paths, and a vibrant café culture, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and socialising.
  • Picton Museum: Situated 483m from the harbour, the Picton Museum presents a rich tapestry of local history and culture. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing the region's maritime heritage and early settler stories, providing a deeper understanding of Picton's past.
  • Edwin Fox: Just 966m away, the Edwin Fox is a significant historic site, featuring the world’s oldest surviving merchant ship. This cultural gem gives visitors insight into maritime history and the ship's incredible journeys, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Picton Harbour

To save money on your trip to Picton Harbour, consider visiting between June and August when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s tools to filter for budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Additionally, consider package deals that combine your accommodation with flights and activities to save even more.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Picton Harbour are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Picton Harbour about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Picton Harbour is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Picton Harbour is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Picton Harbour accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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