Picton

Where is it?

On the very far north western end of the South Island lies this port town. Stuck at the far end of the Marlborough Sound, Picton is the main transit point for travelling between the islands.

What's it like?

Like Calais but in a picturesque location. Most visitors here only stay a short time and the nature of the town reflects this. Picton is pleasant enough and the scenery more than makes up for its lack of other attractions but most of the people here are either on their way to or from somewhere else. Busier in the summer when the ferries are working flat out, Picton is a sleepy port for most of the year

What to see and do.

Other than those who are in transit between the North and South Islands Picton is a launch pad into the Marlborough Sounds area. One nearby attraction is the Queen Charlotte Walkway, an undervalued tramp -over 65km - through some sumptuous coastal scenery. The sea kayaking is also undervalued as people stampede to the Abel Tasman Park before putting a paddle in the water.
In Picton, visitors may like to check out the hulk of the Edwin Fox, a ship whose chequered history reflects that of the country itself. Nearby is the Aquarium of The Marlborough Sounds, which may appeal to children but Seaworld it ain't.

Eating, Sleeping and Drinking

Picton has a disproportionately high quantity of accommodation, aimed mainly at the ferry/transit market, and a disproportionately low quantity of bars and restaurants.