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.

Read More about Picton, New Zealand description

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

11 EXCURSIONS

Already Booked Your Cruise? Reserve excursions in Cruise Personalizer
Special Child Pricing Available! Children age 12 and younger, savings up to 50%.
Display as:

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.

Read More about Picton Seaport Walk description

Moderate Activity

From

$49.95

Average Guest Rating

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.

Read More about Highlights of Marlborough description

Easy Activity

From

$54.95

Average Guest Rating

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.

Read More about Scenic Cruising on Queen Charlotte Sounds description

Easy Activity

From

$59.95

Average Guest Rating

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.

Read More about Kaipupu Point Mainland Wildlife Sanctuary description

Moderate Activity

From

$109.95

Average Guest Rating

Walk the Queen Charlotte Track & Scenic Cruise

3.5 hours | Picton | P C N - 3 8 5
  • Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Outdoor Adventure

Active travelers will relish an invigorating walk in the natural New Zealand landscape. Begin with a cruise in the waters of Queen Charlotte Sound to Mistletoe Bay. Then, embark on a 90-minute guided walk on the Peninsula Loop Trail offering splendid views of lush coastal forest and both Mistletoe and Waterfall Bay.

Read More about Walk the Queen Charlotte Track & Scenic Cruise description

Strenuous Activity

From

$109.95

Average Guest Rating

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.

Read More about Knights of the Sky: The Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum description

Moderate Activity

From

$119.95

Average Guest Rating

Marlborough Vineyard Tour

4 hours | Picton | P C N - 3 2 0
  • Winery

Tempt your taste buds with the sublime flavors of Marlborough's famed wines and delicious chocolates. Journey through the picturesque countryside favored by artists for its rich colors and contours. Your tour includes a winery visit and tasting and a stop at the Makana boutique chocolate factory to watch the creation of tantalizing chocolate confections.

Read More about Marlborough Vineyard Tour description

Moderate Activity

From

$129.95

Average Guest Rating

Marlborough Maori Marae Insight

3.5 hours | Picton | P C N - 2 3 0
  • Marlborough Wineries

Discover the warmth of Maori hospitality at the Omaka Marae, a cultural meeting place of local Maori. Interact with these friendly people and learn their 800 years of history and tradition. Then, stop at Vines Village, in the heart of the Marlborough wine country. Visit the wine cellar, café and six artisan boutiques.

Read More about Marlborough Maori Marae Insight description

Moderate Activity

From

$144.95

Average Guest Rating

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.

Read More about Queen Charlotte Sound by Sea Kayak description

Strenuous Activity

From

$179.95

Average Guest Rating

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.

Read More about Marlborough Farm, Garden & Sheep Round-Up description

Moderate Activity

From

$199.95

Average Guest Rating

Guided Biking Wine Tour and Lunch

4.5 hours | Picton | P C N - 3 0 5
  • 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. Suitable for all fitness levels. Lunch included.

Read More about Guided Biking Wine Tour and Lunch description

Moderate Activity

From

$219.95

Average Guest Rating