Picton

Picton is a town in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. It is close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound near the north-east corner of the South Island.

Activities on offer here include dolphin watching, boat trips, kayak tours, fishing, diving and golfing.

The Queen Charlotte Track is 71km long, it is popular with mountain bikers and walkers alike. Both independent and guided walking tours are available.

Picton Marina gives access to the Queen Charlotte Sound, the eastern most part of the Sounds. Shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are all within easy walking distance from here.

Edwin Fox is the world's oldest surviving merchant sailing ship and is dry-docked at The Edwin Fox Maritime Centre at Picton.

The Wairau Bar is a gravel bar formed where the Wairau River meets the sea in Cloudy Bay, Marlborough. It is an important archaeological site and the earliest known human settlement in New Zealand.

Shelley Beach Reserve off Waikawa Road, is a grassed area popular for swimming, picnicking, relaxing and boating.

Picton has many boutiques and gift shops, which focus on New Zealand made giftware, art and crafts and locally made products.

There is a wide choice of cuisine available in Picton, from fresh fish and seafood, tasty lamb and steaks and international favourites such as Italian, Indian, Thai and fast food options.

Cruise ships dock at Waitohi Wharf, which is less than 1km from the centre of town. Anchorage is also available if required.

Picton i-SITE information centre is located on Picton Waterfront.

Taxis are usually on hand at the pier.

There are daily ferry sailings which link Picton to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, located on the North Island.