Come to Picton New Zealand
Your Gateway to the South Island

When visiting Marlborough Sounds New Zealand, don’t forget to stop at the small, welcoming, picturesque town of Picton. With a population of about 4,000 residents, Picton New Zealand is large enough to have all the conveniences a tourist would want, yet small enough to preserve a sense of great tranquility and hospitality.

Picton NZ was named after Sir Thomas Picton, a British general who fought with the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo in 1815 and was killed there. Today, Picton is a thriving town that makes the most of its location as a center of Marlborough New Zealand tourism. Unemployment there is lower than New Zealand’s average rate by over 3 percent!

If you’re planning to depart North Island New Zealand and explore the South Island, Picton will be your gateway to the south. You can take a ferry from Wellington to Picton New Zealand and arrive at Picton harbour without any inconvenience. Just a few minutes’ drive away, you’ll find the Waikawa township on the shores of the scenic Waikawa Bay Picton New Zealand. Indeed, the two towns are so close together that many locals view them as one and the same for all practical purposes.

Another way to reach Picton is to take a flight from Wellington New Zealand to Picton Airport in Koromiko. Picton Airport is also your place to reserve a scenic charter flight over the Marlborough Sounds. If you’re traveling from a major South Island city like Christchurch New Zealand, the TranzCoastal passenger train travels to Picton on a daily basis. The Main North railway line also includes Picton as a stop.

Are you interested in finding out how the British government shipped convicts to Australia? A visit to Picton is your chance. Visit the Edwin Fox Maritime Centre, where you’ll find the vessel Edwin Fox on display. The Edwin Fox is the only remaining ship in the world that was actually used to send convicted criminals from Britain to settle in Australia.

When in Picton New Zealand, take a hike along the Queen Charlotte Track, which will take you along the coast of South Island and enable you to observe natural wonders for miles in every direction. Picton is the place to begin a tour of the Marlborough Sounds; here you can arrange to go on a cruise, take a Picton New Zealand ferry, or explore the area yourself.

Picton accommodations include a variety of hotels, backpackers hostels, hotels, homestays, and farmstays. No matter what your preferences or budgetary considerations, you’ll be able to find a great fit for your needs. Try the Sequoia Lodge Backpackers Picton if you’re looking for a comfortable, affordable place to stay.

Picton New Zealand weather is dry and sunny - great for growing grapes. If you’re here in time for the Wine Marlborough Festival, you will experience quite a treat as you sample New Zealand’s best fine wines.

Come to Picton New Zealand for a great New Zealand vacation near the Marlborough Sounds!