Things to do in Picton | The Best Activities in Picton

Picton and the Marlborough Sounds are some of the most beautiful attractions in New Zealand. There is so much to see and do from your base here in Picton, on the South Island of New Zealand. Jasmine Court Motel is close to local restaurants, the township, waterfront and Waikawa Marina. We are happy to provide advice on local attractions, create itineraries and book your holiday activities.

 

Looking for the best things to do in Picton and the Marlborough Region?

There's plenty of things to do while in Picon - read on to discover the best ones!

You really need to allow a few days to really explore Picton the Marlborough region. We can help you put together a great itinerary of local tours and activities and book these for you. 

As an Interislander and Kiwi Rail booking agent, we can even take care of your ferry travel and train bookings. Why not stay another day and…

  • Really relax: Relax on the Picton waterfront, take in the shops and galleries. Savour a delicious coffee or lunch with a view of the harbour.
  • Venture further afield: Take a day trip to Nelson, Kaikoura, St Arnaud, the Nelson Lakes and Rainbow Ski field are all just 2 hours drive from Picton.
  • Cruise to the Capital: A leisurely 3-hour cruise on an Inter-island ferry day excursion will take you across to Wellington. Visit Te Papa National Museum, Zealandia Sanctuary or just spend the day exploring our Capital city.
  • Trans Coastal Rail Service: Between Christchurch and Picton, this is a stunning rail journey.

Think of us as the ideal New Zealand accommodation for your Queen Charlotte track walk or your next holiday. Whether you are planning a relaxing holiday in a peaceful environment, or a busy break filled with activities and exploring, this beautiful part of New Zealand is the ideal destination. Browse through our activity recommendations below, read about our Picton accommodation options, rates and facilities, or simply give us a call to book your stay.

Natural Encounters – Marlborough Sounds

All-inclusive guided and independent walking and mountain biking packages of the Queen Charlotte Track walkway.

Visit Website
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walking.jpg

Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company

Specialists in Queen Charlotte Track and Marlborough Sounds adventure holidays. Hiking, biking or kayaking!

Visit Website

New Zealand Walks

New Zealand Walks specialises in organising packages of the Great Walks and tracks of New Zealand, including the local Queen Charlotte Track, where we can arrange both guided and freedom, one day and multi day walk packages. We are your ‘one stop shop’ for planning and booking your next NZ wide walking adventure!

 

 

Visit Website
NZ Walks
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Wilderness Guides

Your guides to the Marlborough Sounds. Local experts for sea kayaking, hiking and mountain biking.

Visit Website

Beachcomber Fun Cruises

Queen Charlotte Sound Scenic and mail run daily cruises. Lunch cruises and water transport to Queen Charlotte Track and Motuara Island Wildlife Sanctuary.

Visit Website
Beachcomber Cruises.jpg
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Sounds Connection Wine Tours & Fishing Charters

Showcasing the best of Marlborough wineries, scenic tours and Marlborough Sounds fishing charters.

Visit Website

Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre

This inspiring Wildlife Recovery and Arts Centre is set on the tranquil shores of Lochmara Bay – a truly unique experience.

Visit Website
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E-Ko Tours

Wildlife-focused tours combine scenic cruise and nature experience. Encounter Whales, Seals, Sea-birds and Dolphins. Dolphin viewing and swimming.

Visit Website

Cougar Line

Cougar Line, Marlborough Sounds premier water transport company, has over 25 years of experience transporting people and goods to and from the Queen Charlotte track, resorts and private homes along with the Marlborough Sounds.

Visit Website
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Greenshell Mussel Cruise

A wonderful cruise from the Havelock Marina. Visit a Greenshell mussel farm for the perfect wine and food match of fresh steamed mussels served with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Visit Website

Marlborough Travel Tour Company

Join us on luxury tours and cruises of the Marlborough region, featuring the best wine, seafood and scenery Marlborough has to offer. Your tour, your way - led by experienced local guides, focused on your enjoyment.

Visit Website
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EcoWorld Picton Aquarium

EcoWorld’s knowledgeable staff strive to give you outstanding, intimate experiences. We help you discover, have fun, sharing with you some of New Zealand's amazing native animals that live in our beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

Visit Website

Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum

The Picton Museum has a collection of some 2000 items of Maori, Whaling, Maritime, Heritage and Textile displays. We take pleasure in sharing these treasures with the Local, National and International community. So step in and step back to the fascination of Picton and the Marlborough Sounds' historic past!

Visit Website
picton museum 8.jpg
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Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

Discover the fascinating history of the Edwin Fox, the worlds 9th oldest ship. Now on permanent display in Picton, New Zealand. Learn all about her fascinating round the world adventures and her checkered history from troop carrier to immigrant ship, even convict transporter.

Visit Website

Kiwi Mini Golf Picton

Enjoy a round of mini-golf on the Picton foreshore.

Visit Website
picton kiwi mini golf.jpg
chocolate

Makana Chocolate Factory

Specialises in gift-quality confections, all hand-made and only using the freshest natural ingredient. Perfect indulgence!

Visit Website

Omaka Aviation Museum

Located at Marlborough's historically significant Omaka Aerodrome, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft.


The Knights of the Sky exhibition is Stage One of Omaka. New Zealand's most respected cinematic and special effects craftsmen have created a dramatic aviation theatre in which original and full-scale replica WW1 aircraft - both static and flyable - are presented in all their glory.


Dangerous Skies presents stories from World War II and opened to the general public on the 1st of November 2016. It is a mixture of static and flyable aircraft and will take you on a historical as well as a geographical journey.

Visit Website
omaka.jpg
f4cedd81ee9846a82d423af354b9f210.jpg

Natural Encounters – Marlborough Sounds

All-inclusive guided and independent walking and mountain biking packages of the Queen Charlotte Track walkway.

Visit Website
walking.jpg

Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company

Specialists in Queen Charlotte Track and Marlborough Sounds adventure holidays. Hiking, biking or kayaking!

Visit Website
NZ Walks

New Zealand Walks

New Zealand Walks specialises in organising packages of the Great Walks and tracks of New Zealand, including the local Queen Charlotte Track, where we can arrange both guided and freedom, one day and multi day walk packages. We are your ‘one stop shop’ for planning and booking your next NZ wide walking adventure!

 

 

Visit Website
12265839 911435482268389 2279399246863011158 o.jpg

Wilderness Guides

Your guides to the Marlborough Sounds. Local experts for sea kayaking, hiking and mountain biking.

Visit Website
Beachcomber Cruises.jpg

Beachcomber Fun Cruises

Queen Charlotte Sound Scenic and mail run daily cruises. Lunch cruises and water transport to Queen Charlotte Track and Motuara Island Wildlife Sanctuary.

Visit Website
11222049 727858860670762 8898409994342331098 o.jpg

Sounds Connection Wine Tours & Fishing Charters

Showcasing the best of Marlborough wineries, scenic tours and Marlborough Sounds fishing charters.

Visit Website
14361432 10155013137831729 1263774749213980872 o.jpg

Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre

This inspiring Wildlife Recovery and Arts Centre is set on the tranquil shores of Lochmara Bay – a truly unique experience.

Visit Website
1497651795DolphinSwimWeb.JPG

E-Ko Tours

Wildlife-focused tours combine scenic cruise and nature experience. Encounter Whales, Seals, Sea-birds and Dolphins. Dolphin viewing and swimming.

Visit Website
389254 10150648353614157 1666823461 n.jpg

Cougar Line

Cougar Line, Marlborough Sounds premier water transport company, has over 25 years of experience transporting people and goods to and from the Queen Charlotte track, resorts and private homes along with the Marlborough Sounds.

Visit Website
mussels2.jpg

Greenshell Mussel Cruise

A wonderful cruise from the Havelock Marina. Visit a Greenshell mussel farm for the perfect wine and food match of fresh steamed mussels served with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Visit Website
10644721 10154800765850548 4350821094822331747 n.jpg

Marlborough Travel Tour Company

Join us on luxury tours and cruises of the Marlborough region, featuring the best wine, seafood and scenery Marlborough has to offer. Your tour, your way - led by experienced local guides, focused on your enjoyment.

Visit Website
19420673 1566402560037421 5042572690463556470 n.jpg

EcoWorld Picton Aquarium

EcoWorld’s knowledgeable staff strive to give you outstanding, intimate experiences. We help you discover, have fun, sharing with you some of New Zealand's amazing native animals that live in our beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

Visit Website
picton museum 8.jpg

Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum

The Picton Museum has a collection of some 2000 items of Maori, Whaling, Maritime, Heritage and Textile displays. We take pleasure in sharing these treasures with the Local, National and International community. So step in and step back to the fascination of Picton and the Marlborough Sounds' historic past!

Visit Website
15442164 1466240020053648 5312033366914059358 n.jpg

Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

Discover the fascinating history of the Edwin Fox, the worlds 9th oldest ship. Now on permanent display in Picton, New Zealand. Learn all about her fascinating round the world adventures and her checkered history from troop carrier to immigrant ship, even convict transporter.

Visit Website
picton kiwi mini golf.jpg

Kiwi Mini Golf Picton

Enjoy a round of mini-golf on the Picton foreshore.

Visit Website
chocolate

Makana Chocolate Factory

Specialises in gift-quality confections, all hand-made and only using the freshest natural ingredient. Perfect indulgence!

Visit Website
omaka.jpg

Omaka Aviation Museum

Located at Marlborough's historically significant Omaka Aerodrome, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft.


The Knights of the Sky exhibition is Stage One of Omaka. New Zealand's most respected cinematic and special effects craftsmen have created a dramatic aviation theatre in which original and full-scale replica WW1 aircraft - both static and flyable - are presented in all their glory.


Dangerous Skies presents stories from World War II and opened to the general public on the 1st of November 2016. It is a mixture of static and flyable aircraft and will take you on a historical as well as a geographical journey.

Visit Website