About Picton
Picton is a small, pretty harbour town at the very top of the South Island, best known as the South Island gateway of the Cook Strait ferries and as the launching point for the Marlborough Sounds - a maze of drowned river valleys, bush-clad ridgelines and secluded bays. Just inland lies Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine region and the global home of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, centred on the town of Blenheim. The town itself is walkable and relaxed, its foreshore lined with cafes, a marina and the historic hull of the Edwin Fox.
Where ships dock
Overview
Picton wraps around the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, where the ferries from Wellington and a compact, cafe-lined foreshore meet the mountains and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. Big ships tie up at Shakespeare Bay a couple of kilometres away and shuttle passengers into the little township, while smaller vessels berth right beside the town. From here the whole region opens up - sheltered Sounds cruises by water taxi, and the Sauvignon Blanc vineyards around Blenheim a short drive south.
Wharves & berths
BERTH port (passengers walk off, no tenders). Large cruise ships berth at Waimahara Wharf in Shakespeare Bay, ~2 km from town over a low hill, with a shuttle into town; smaller vessels use Waitohi Wharf in Picton Harbour, close to the town centre near the Interislander ferry terminal.
Getting to the city
A free shuttle from Waimahara Wharf drops near the foreshore; the town core is then flat and walkable. Blenheim and the Marlborough wine country are ~28 km / ~25 min by road (shore excursions, wine-tour shuttles, taxis or rental car). The Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track are reached by boat - water taxis and cruises depart the Picton foreshore.
Parking
Public parking along the Picton foreshore near the ferry terminal.
Amenities
The Picton foreshore has an i-SITE visitor centre, cafes, shops, a marina, playground and public toilets, all near the ferry terminal. (Confirm current wharf/shuttle arrangements against Port Marlborough, as the Waitohi ferry-terminal redevelopment is ongoing.)
Cruise season
October/November to March/April, peaking Nov-Mar.
Getting around & practical
Getting around
Picton town is compact and easily walked. Blenheim and the wineries (~25 min) need a car, tour or shuttle. The Sounds are reached by boat from the foreshore.
Practical info
Currency is the NZD; driving is on the left. The seasonal Coastal Pacific train also runs Picton-Blenheim-Christchurch.
Attractions
Top attractions
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Points of interest
Family & kids
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portmarlborough.co.nz/cruise-ship-schedule; newzealandcruiseassociation.com/port/marlborough; edwinfox.nz; newzealand.com