Picton & Marlborough

Forming part of the Marlborough region, Picton is in every other respect a sleepy, little town, most visitors passing through on route to the larger town of Blenheim nearby, but there is good range of accommodation available along with cafés and several fine craft galleries.

The main attraction for those choosing to stay is the close proximity to both Queen Charlotte Sound and the track. This is an area worth exploring, offering a delightful coastline comprising bays, coves and waterways. Several companies operate out of Picton offering a choice of activities including kayaking, boat trips, dolphin watching and even diving.

Queen Charlotte Track is becoming increasingly popular for hikers. It is less busy than the nearby Abel Tasman, with similar lush, coastal scenery however, it lacks the beaches that are the major draw of the latter. A water taxi from Picton transports hikers to Ship Cove and the beginning of the track.