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
Ships berth at Waitohi Wharf, about half a mile from Picton town centre. The Picton Information Office operates a kiosk on the wharf, and taxis are generally available at the pier. Because walking on the pier is prohibited, a complimentary shuttle carries passengers from the wharf to central Picton.
Vessels longer than 245m can use Shakespeare Bay, which is slightly farther from Picton's centre and a short 3-minute drive away.
Cruise ships primarily visit Picton for the voyage into and out of the Marlborough Sounds. The scenery is very picturesque, so secure a good viewing position.
Keep a printable map handy.
Sightseeing
Picton is a small port at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, with a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, straightforward bush walks and an outstanding climate.
The Marlborough Sounds encompasses 1500 km of coastline, the Queen Charlotte Track, Dolphin Watching, fishing and a peaceful retreat. Numerous operators at the shuttle drop-off point offer excursions.
Picton Museum is small and houses an interesting collection of relics recalling the whaling period.
The hull of the 19th-century sailing vessel Edwin Fox stands beside the ferry-terminal complex. Once fully restored, it will become a floating maritime museum. The neighbouring Edwin Fox Center covers the ship's long and varied working life. Edwin Fox Museum is NOT accessible to wheelchairs.
Nearby places
Ferries operate every day between Picton and Wellington, New Zealand's capital at the southern end of the North Island.
Twenty-five minutes from Picton lies the Marlborough wine region, renowned for sauvignon blanc. More than 35 cellars welcome visitors for tastings, with wines spanning boutique family producers and well-recognised names. A 40-minute drive.
In Blenheim Town, visit Seymour Square, the town's main square, where the War Memorial and Clock Tower date from 1928. Continue to the Marlborough Museum and Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Queen Charlotte Sound combines gorgeous coastal panoramas, the spectacular Marlborough Sounds and native bush, making the Queen Charlotte Track entirely distinctive. It brings together excellent New Zealand walking and cycling, a seamless system of cruise and luggage transfers, resorts, lodges, and fine food and wine. Whether staying for one day or five, the 73.5 km route is brilliant every day.
Havelock is a coastal settlement at the head of Pelorus Sound and the mouth of the Pelorus and Kaituna Rivers. It is also called the Greenshell Mussel Capital of the world and lies 45 minutes from Picton.
Food and shopping
Precious minerals may be worth considering, particularly lustrous greenstone from the area's wild rivers strewn with boulders. The high quality of local raw materials also favours a concentration of craftspeople, especially glass blowers, potters, weavers and wood carvers.
Money
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar. A small number of traders, especially in tourist areas, accept overseas currency. The approximate conversion is US$1=NZD1.30.
Almost every town has automatic teller machines (ATMs), which locals call the hole in the wall.
Staying connected
New Zealand's official languages are English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. English is spoken universally and written using Commonwealth, or "British", spelling.
Dial 111 for emergency services in New Zealand.
Free Wifi hotspots include Picton iSITE and Picton Foreshore. The library also provides free wi-fi.