Picton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Picton featuring forests, mountains and a bay or harbour
Cascading mountains surround the harbour of this beautiful seaside town, located in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds.

Millions of visitors pass through Picton each year using the ferry terminal that connects New Zealand’s north and south islands. This harbour town is much more than a transit point, however. Discover its charming atmosphere, its proximity to Queen Charlotte Sound and its bars and restaurants where you can sample some of New Zealand’s best wines.

If you’re arriving by ferry the first thing you’ll notice about the town is the attractive Picton Harbour. Few towns in the world boast such a stunning waterfront precinct, so it’s no wonder that this area is lined by restaurants and cafés. Find a seat outside to enjoy a meal overlooking the water. Admire the mountains as they plummet towards the still and protected harbour. Located in the north of New Zealand’s famous Marlborough wine region, Picton is an ideal place to indulge in a glass of sauvignon blanc or chardonnay.

The town is named after a Welsh military general and has a moving War Memorial. During your exploration of the town stop at the memorial to pay your respects to those who fell to protect the way of life New Zealanders cherish.

Picton is a great launching pad for exploring the Marlborough Sounds that surround it. Board a chartered boat cruise or sign up for a kayak tour to explore the waters surrounding Picton, including the nearby Mabel Island. Venture across land from Picton to reach the Nelson Lakes National Park or embark on the gruelling Queen Charlotte Track to see the impressive Queen Charlotte Sound.

Picton is located on the north-eastern tip of the South Island. Mountains surround the town, protecting it from the elements, resulting in weather that is reasonably reliable year-round, at least by New Zealand standards. Find a range of accommodation and services throughout the town. Reach Picton by ferry from New Zealand’s North Island or by rail, bus or car from major towns on the South Island.

Where to stay in Picton

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Waikawa

Travellers like the mountain views in Waikawa, and Waikawa Marina is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Waikawa
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Waikawa Bay

4.5/5(39 area reviews)

Travellers like the mountain views in Waikawa Bay, and Waikawa Marina is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Waikawa Bay
Picton Yacht Club Hotel
Picton Yacht Club Hotel
3.5 out of 5
25 Waikawa Road, Marlborough, Picton
The price is NZ$162 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
NZ$162
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"We stayed one night after arriving on the ferry. Walkable from the ferry - nice room. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Mainstreet and harbor are all walkable. Included continental breakfast."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Picton Yacht Club Hotel
Picton Beachcomber Inn
Picton Beachcomber Inn
3 out of 5
27 Waikawa Road, Picton
The price is NZ$182 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$182
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (861 reviews)
Excellent Motel
"Excellent motel"

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Picton Beachcomber Inn
Jasmine Court Motel
Jasmine Court Motel
4 out of 5
78 Wellington Street, Picton
The price is NZ$201 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
NZ$201
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 4-star motel in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (507 reviews)
"Very good large room with excellent facilities. Easy access to ferry terminal, railway station, shops, bars and restaurants."

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2024

Jasmine Court Motel
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.
Picton Campervan Park
Picton Campervan Park
4.5 out of 5
42 Kent Street, Picton
Stay at this 4.5-star eco-certified campground in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nelson Square and Waitohi ...
9/10 Wonderful! (110 reviews)
"Very clean !!! Excellent !!!"

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

Picton Campervan Park
Picton Waterfront Apartments
Picton Waterfront Apartments
4 out of 5
3/6 London Quay, Picton, Marlborough
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Picton War Memorial and Picton Museum are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (231 reviews)
"This was a last minute booking and the apartment was very nice, conveniently close to the ferry port. Exceeded my expectations in most all regards. There is no openable window in the bedroom (that we could find) so the bedroom was seriously stuffy. We were only there for one night so didn't contact ..."

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2024

Picton Waterfront Apartments
Birdsong, bush walks, biking and boating!
Birdsong, bush walks, biking and boating!
Waikawa Bay
Stay at this vacation home in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. Popular attractions Victoria Domain and Mabel Island are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
Thoroughly recommend this batch
"We five adult family members had a delightful three night stay. The facilities were just what we needed. The location is perfect for easy access to town and the marinas. The batch was clean, quiet, spacious and well equipped. Communication with the owner could not have been better."

Reviewed on 3 Mar. 2024

Birdsong, bush walks, biking and boating!
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Picton

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
158
" "5 - Excellent 51.13268608414239%
4 - Good
131
" "4 - Good 42.394822006472495%
3 - Okay
18
" "3 - Okay 5.825242718446602%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6472491909385113%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

caroline
30 Mar 2020

We didn’t stay for long during this time, main focus just to catch ferry. Super amazing weather, awesome coast line to follow

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Mar 2020

cool place to visit

4/5 - Good

John
17 Mar 2020

A lovely place but will not want to stay in the Picton Yacht Club Hotel in te future. Not recommending it to a one.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

I will recommend this Motel to our Pride in Putaruru Info.Centre for those wanting to know a great place to stay in Picton.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
1 Mar 2020

Go to cafe cortoda for food it’s great breakfast through to dinner

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Feb 2020

Le Cafe is a MUST VISIT

Cities near Picton