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.

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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

12 EXCURSIONS

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Picton Seaport Walk

2.5 hours | Picton | P C N - 3 8 0
  • Outdoor Adventure

A two-mile walking tour is the perfect way to get to know charming Picton. Your guide will take you along the waterfront, marina and shoreline to learn the history and biodiversity of the area. Pass over the "Coat-hanger Bridge" and up to a lookout (a 10-minute steady incline). Conclude with refreshments.

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Moderate Activity

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$49.95

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Highlights of Marlborough

2.5 hours | Picton | P C N - 2 1 5
  • Makana Confections

A lovely narrated motorcoach tour takes in all the best of Picton and its environs. Travel through the township of Blenheim and out into the Marlborough wine region. Enjoy a little souvenir shopping, stop for photographs, and at the Makana boutique chocolate factory, watch as divine chocolates are handmade, before tasting the finished product.

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$54.95

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Scenic Cruising on Queen Charlotte Sounds

2.5 hours | Picton | P C N - 2 4 5
  • Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Outdoor Adventure

View the dramatic seascapes of Queen Charlotte Sound from the deck of a sightseeing cruise. Your catamaran features both open and enclosed decks for your viewing enjoyment. Feed the pet fish at Double Cove, and sip coffee as you take in this stunning meeting of sky, land and sea.

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$59.95

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Kaipupu Point Mainland Wildlife Sanctuary

3 hours | Picton | P C N - 1 0 5
  • Queen Charlotte Sound

Located on a peninsula, the Kaipupu Point Mainland Wildlife Sanctuary has a flourishing wildlife population, protected by a predator-proof fence. Set off on a guided two-mile walk along an undulating track to appreciate the beauty of the land and to hear and see a fantastic array of native birds.

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$109.95

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The Wines of Marlborough

4.5 hours | Picton | P C N - 3 1 0
  • Winery
  • Marlborough Wineries

Marlborough wines put New Zealand on the viticultural map. Today, the region produces 79 percent of all New Zealand wines. Journey to Blenheim in the heart of wine country, traveling through the picturesque countryside favored by artists for its rich colors and contours, and stop at three premium wine estates for tastings.

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$119.95

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Knights of the Sky: The Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum

4 hours | Picton | P C N - 2 2 0
  • Omaka Aviation Heritage Center

Explore the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center, home to a collection of World War I aircraft, an intriguing blend of faithful replicas and authentic aircraft. Board the miniature railway and enjoy a ride along the banks of the Taylor River. Leaving Omaka, watch chocolates being handmade and savor some samples at the Makana Chocolate Factory.

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$119.95

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Queen Charlotte Sound by Sea Kayak

4 hours | Picton | P C N - 4 1 0
  • Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Outdoor Adventure

Enjoy a tranquil and eco-friendly mode of transportation when you see the beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound from the seat of a kayak on a two-hour paddle. The forested shore is dotted with coves, bays and beaches, while the cold, nutrient rich waters of the sound are home to seals, dolphins and penguins.

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Strenuous Activity

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$179.95

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Marlborough Farm, Garden & Sheep Round-Up

7 hours | Picton | P C N - 2 2 5
  • Outdoor Adventure

Delight in two "Gardens of National Significance" on a fun and floral full-day experience. Stroll the gardens at Upton Oaks, the English-inspired garden of Dave and Sue Monahan, developed around a restored 1911 South Pacific villa house. Visit Winterhome, a working sheep farm, complete with a stunning 10-acre formal garden. Enjoy lunch at The Store, a coastal dining venue.

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Moderate Activity

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$199.95

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Guided Biking Wine Tour and Lunch

4.5 hours | Picton | P C N - 3 0 5
  • Marlborough Wineries
  • Winery

Pedal along a four-mile gentle cycling route flanked by lush vineyards and idyllic scenery on a bike tour of Vines Village in the heart of the world-renowned Marlborough wine region. Stop at several cellar doors and learn about the vineyards and some of the most popular varietals grown here.

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$219.95

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Marlborough Flyer Train Tour

5 hours | Picton | P C N - 1 5 0
  • Outdoor Adventure

The Marlborough Flyer is a majestic heritage train from a bygone era, hauled south from Picton by the historic Ab 608 "Passchendaele" (built in 1915), one of the most important and interesting steam locomotives in New Zealand.

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Easy Activity

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$229.95

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