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Picton, New Zealand

Located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is your gateway to the South Island's famed Marlborough District. Once known primarily for its lush farm lands and many sheep stations, Marlborough came to international attention thanks to a new agricultural product - wine. The release of the 1985 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the map and changed the world's focus on winemaking in the Southern Hemisphere. Today, the Marlborough region boasts dramatic sea and landscapes, fascinating wine country, excellent restaurants and a number of the nation's finest gardens.

Military names abound in this corner of New Zealand - the region is named for the first Duke of Marlborough, while the largest town, Blenheim, is named after his most famous battle. Picton is named for Sir Thomas Picton, a favorite of another general, the first duke of Wellington.

Points of Interest

  • Marlborough Wineries
  • Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Lochmara Lodge
  • Omaka Aviation Heritage Center
  • Pelorous Sound
  • Makana Confections
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Winery

More about Picton, New Zealand Points of Interest

  • Marlborough Wineries -

    Marlborough wines put New Zealand on the viticultural map.

  • Queen Charlotte Sound -

    The sound's colors range from turquoise to emerald - attract seals, sea birds and dolphins including common, bottlenose and Hector's dolphins.

  • Lochmara Lodge -

    The lodge is home to a Wildlife Recovery Center and an Arts Center with galleries and a sculpture trail.

  • Omaka Aviation Heritage Center -

    Home to one of the largest private collections of World War I aircraft in the world.

  • Pelorous Sound -

    One of the two major arms of the Marlborough Sounds. In keeping with the area's penchant for place names honoring military heroes, Havelock is named after Sir Henry Havelock, hero of the Indian Mutiny.

  • Makana Confections -

    This boutique confectioner has garnered international attention for its classic chocolate truffles and macadamia nut candies.

  • Outdoor Adventure -

    The intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds make up a fifth of the New Zealand coastline, making it a perfect spot for exploring by kayak. The spectacular Queen Charlotte Track is one of the most popular walks in New Zealand.

  • Winery -

13 Excursions

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Kaipupu Point Mainland Wildlife Sanctuary

3 hours | Picton | PCN-105 P C N - 1 0 5

Moderate Activity

From $109.95

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Best of Picton - Marlborough Flyer Train Tour

5 hours | Picton | PCN-150 P C N - 1 5 0

Easy Activity

From $229.95

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Highlights of Marlborough

2.5 hours | Picton | PCN-215 P C N - 2 1 5

Easy Activity

From $54.95

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Knights of the Sky: The Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum

4 hours | Picton | PCN-220 P C N - 2 2 0

Moderate Activity

From $119.95

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Marlborough Farm, Garden & Sheep Round-Up

7 hours | Picton | PCN-225 P C N - 2 2 5

Moderate Activity

From $199.95

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Scenic Cruising on Queen Charlotte Sounds

2.5 hours | Picton | PCN-245 P C N - 2 4 5

Easy Activity

From $59.95

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Scenic Sounds Cruise & Mistletoe Bay Walk

3 hours | Picton | PCN-250 P C N - 2 5 0

Moderate Activity

From $139.95

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Paua Pearl Farm Tour

4.5 hours | Picton | PCN-255 P C N - 2 5 5

Moderate Activity

From $217.95

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Guided Biking Wine Tour and Lunch

4.5 hours | Picton | PCN-305 P C N - 3 0 5

Moderate Activity

From $219.95

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The Wines of Marlborough

4.5 hours | Picton | PCN-310 P C N - 3 1 0

Easy Activity

From $119.95

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Deluxe Marlborough Wine Tour with Lunch

6 hours | Picton | PCN-325 P C N - 3 2 5

Moderate Activity

From $269.95

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Picton Seaport Walk

2.5 hours | Picton | PCN-380 P C N - 3 8 0

Moderate Activity

From $49.95

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Queen Charlotte Sound by Sea Kayak

4 hours | Picton | PCN-410 P C N - 4 1 0

Strenuous Activity

From $179.95

Average Guest Rating