Picton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Picton Harbour showing a coastal town, a marina and a bay or harbour
Picton featuring forests, mountains and a bay or harbour
Picton featuring cruising, mountains and a sunset
Picton which includes sailing, mountains and a sunset
Picton which includes a coastal town, a marina and mountains

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 SoundOpens in a new window 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 HarbourOpens in a new window. 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 MemorialOpens in a new window. 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 IslandOpens in a new window. Venture across land from Picton to reach the Nelson Lakes National ParkOpens in a new window 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 Beachcomber Inn
Picton Beachcomber Inn
3 out of 5
27 Waikawa Road, Picton
The price is NZ$118 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$118
16 July - 17 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Picton Beachcomber Inn
Edit Picton
Edit Picton
3.5 out of 5
25 Waikawa Road, Marlborough, Picton
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$129 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$129
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
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 in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
One night stay in Picton
"Lovely balcony and view, good location, modern. Would be good to have the basics for eating, eg - a glass for water, kettle, cutlery, small fridge. Also, ve prepared fir a climb up the stairs if you're on the top floor. All in all, a very good price for what we got."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Edit Picton
Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel
Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel
4 out of 5
32 High Street (Main Street), Picton
The price is NZ$92 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$92
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (907 reviews)
"Great location right in middle of city centre plenty of options for dining out and walking to places was easy."

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2025

Picton Accommodation Gateway 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 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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions Picton Ferry Terminal and Picton War Memorial ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (257 reviews)
Amazing apartment overlooking the marina!
"Amazing apartments overlooking the marina and just minutes to the interislander ferry! The apartment was spotlessly clean, the bed was super comfortable and all amenities were provided. So close to a range of restaurants and bars. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2025

Picton Waterfront Apartments
Nestled in the heart of Picton
Nestled in the heart of Picton
Picton
Stay at this apartment in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Picton Ferry Terminal and Picton Harbour are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"We had a very comfortable (late Autumn), warm, 3 night stay, and our hosts were incredibly helpful. The accommodation is very spacious with a very large comfortable bed,....settee and chairs too. It has a well provisioned kitchen.....lots and lots to like for a longer summer stay!"

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Nestled in the heart of Picton
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 Picton Ferry Terminal and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (121 reviews)
"Not large and busy. Very nice, clean, well thought out facilities"

Reviewed on 6 Apr. 2025

Picton Campervan Park
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%
4 - Good
131
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

caroline

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

cool place to visit

4/5 - Good

John

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

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Le Cafe is a MUST VISIT

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