Picton Cruise Port

Small but lively, Picton may be one of the sunniest ports in New Zealand. Located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, it links the country’s South Island with the north, making it a hub for inter-island ferries across the Cook Strait. It is also a jumping off point for exploring the Marlborough Sounds.

How to Get to Picton

Cruise ships dock at the Waitohi Wharf, about a half mile from the center of Picton. There is no bus service in Picton, but taxis are generally available to make the short trip into town.

One Day in Picton

A day in Picton is likely to be an active one.  Spend an hour exploring the town on foot, perhaps stopping at the small Picton Museum along the way.  Then, move on to any one of a number of outdoor activities. Dive to the wreck of a Soviet cruise ship or join a dolphin watching cruise. Hike along the Queen Charlotte Walkway or to the Snout, a peninsula between Picton and Waikawa Bay. Biking, kayaking, fishing and sailing are all great options as well.

If you’re looking for souvenirs before you depart, try the Oriel Gallery or The Gallery for jewelry, paintings, photographs and other crafts from local artists.

Port Information

The local currency is the New Zealand dollar and the official languages are English and Maori, with English most commonly spoken. ATMs are widely available and some tourist shops may accept foreign currencies, such as US dollars or Euros. A tourist information kiosk is available at the port.