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Picton, New Zealand

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.

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 -

13 Excursions

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Picton, New Zealand

Kaipupu Sanctuary

Average Guest Rating
3 hours
Moderate Activity
from $119.95
Picton, New Zealand

Best of Picton - Marlborough Flyer Train Tour

Average Guest Rating
5 hours
Moderate Activity
from $169.95
Picton, New Zealand

Easy Marlborough

Average Guest Rating
2.5 hours
Easy Activity
from $49.95
Picton, New Zealand

Knights of the Sky: The Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum

Average Guest Rating
4 hours
Moderate Activity
from $109.95
Picton, New Zealand

Marlborough Farm, Garden & Sheep Round-Up

Average Guest Rating
6.5 hours
Moderate Activity
from $309.95
Picton, New Zealand

Scenic Cruising on Queen Charlotte Sounds

Average Guest Rating
2.5 hours
Easy Activity
from $79.95
Picton, New Zealand

Scenic Sounds Cruise & Mistletoe Bay Walk

Average Guest Rating
3.5 hours
Moderate Activity
from $144.95
Picton, New Zealand

Paua Pearl Farm Tour

Average Guest Rating
4.5 hours
Moderate Activity
from $239.95
Picton, New Zealand

Guided Biking Wine Tour and Lunch

Average Guest Rating
6 hours
Moderate Activity
from $229.95
Picton, New Zealand

The Wines of Marlborough

Average Guest Rating
4 hours
Easy Activity
from $169.95
Picton, New Zealand

Deluxe Marlborough Wine Tour with Lunch

Average Guest Rating
5.5 hours
Moderate Activity
from $269.95
Picton, New Zealand

Picton Seaport Walk

Average Guest Rating
2 hours
Moderate Activity
from $49.95
Picton, New Zealand

Queen Charlotte Sound by Sea Kayak

Average Guest Rating
4 hours
Strenuous Activity
from $184.95