Making the most of Picton
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The ship docks at Waitohi Wharf. It is about half a mile to the town center of Picton. A kiosk of the Picton Information Office is located on the wharf. Taxis are generally available at the pier. A complimentary shuttle bus from the wharf to the center of Picton is provided as it is not allowed to walk on the pier.
Shakespeare Bay is available for ships longer than 245m, which is slightly further away from the center of Picton and is a short 3 minute drive away.
The main reason ships visit Picton is for the sail in/out of the Marlborough Sounds. Very picturesque, so make sure you get a good viewing position.
Printable map to take along.
Sightseeing
Picton is a small seaport at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound offering a relaxed setting with beautiful beaches, easy bush walks and an outstanding climate.
The Marlborough Sounds has 1500 km's of coastline, The Queen Charlotte Track, Dolphin Watching, fishing and a peaceful retreat. Many vendors at the drop-off point of the shuttle will offer trips.
Picton Museum. This small museum features an interesting collection of relics recalling the whaling era.
Edwin Fox. The hull of this 19th-century sailing ship is located next to the ferry terminal complex. Once fully restored, it will serve as a floating maritime museum. The ship's long and varied career is featured in the adjacent Edwin Fox Center. Edwin Fox Museum is NOT wheelchair accessible.
Nearby places
Daily ferry services link Picton to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, situated at the southern end of the North Island.
Twenty-five minutes from Picton is the Marlborough wine region, famous for its sauvignon blanc. The region has over 35 cellars offering tastings for visitors to compare wines ranging from boutique family producers to well-recognized names. A 40 minute drive.
Blenheim Town Once in Blenheim, make sure you visit Seymour Square – the main square of the town, with its War Memorial and Clock Tower dating from 1928. Head over to the Marlborough Museum and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Queen Charlotte Sound Gorgeous coastal views, the stunning Marlborough Sounds, and native bush – the Queen Charlotte Track is utterly unique. Combining the best of New Zealand walking and biking with a seamless network of cruise and pack transfers, resorts and lodges and great food and wine, whether you're here for one day or five, the 73.5 km Queen Charlotte Track is brilliant every day.
Havelock is a coastal village at the head of Pelorus Sound and at the mouth of the Pelorus and Kaituna Rivers. Also known as the Greenshell Mussel Capital of the world. 45 minutes from Picton.
Food and shopping
Precious minerals may be worth looking into, such as the lustrous greenstone from the wild, boulder-strewn rivers of the area. The area also favors a concentration of craftspeople, especially glass blowers, potters, weavers and wood carvers, who have been attracted by the high quality of raw materials.
Money
The New Zealand dollar is used in New Zealand. A few traders do accept foreign currency, particularly in tourist destinations. The conversion from US dollars to NZ dollars is approximately US$1=NZD1.30.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally known as 'the hole in the wall', are available in just about every town.
Staying connected
English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages of New Zealand. English is universal, and is written with Commonwealth ("British") spelling.
The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111.
Free Wifi hotspots: Picton iSITE and the Picton Foreshore.Also the library offers free wi-fi.