Top Things to do in Picton
What to do and see in Picton, South Island: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Picton, New Zealand including Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton Sound, Bob’s Bay, Queen Charlotte Track, Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre, Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, Karaka Point Walk, War Memorial, EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Restaurants in Picton
1. Marlborough Sounds
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 688 reviews
Reviewed By paulohartson1 - Amersham, United Kingdom
Take the scenic route from Nelson and you'll find laybys at the side of the road that give you stunning views down the sounds
2. Queen Charlotte Sound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Reviewed By Resort829690 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Great tramp Beautiful scenery Comfortable lodges Carry only a day pack Organised by Adventure Tours Picton Track can easily done independently-no guide required Lodges along route comfortable with restaurants providing great food
3. Picton Sound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By Sandy817 - Phoenix, United States
It was beautiful coming into Picton on the Celebrity Solstice and we were glad we got up to see the ship dock here. It is a lovely small town & there was an outdoor market the day we were there.
4. Bob’s Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By jasdombo - Wellington, New Zealand
Take the lower track to Bobs Bay, it's right on the waterfront, really well constructed track and beutiful.
5. Queen Charlotte Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 878 reviews
Reviewed By TravelDudes555
From the dolphins on the boat ride to Ship cove, to the glow worms at Punga cove, the curious Wekas, the amazing kauri trees and many beautiful views of the Marlborough Sounds - the Queen Charlotte track offers a bit of everything. Staying at the Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove added some unexpected luxury to the hike - highly recommended.! The track itself is very good (mainly forest covered) but not exceptional - however the combined experience of the hike, the accommodation, and enjoying the beautiful Marlborough sounds made for an excellent long weekend!
6. Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
This unique centre provides an opportunity for nature-lovers to interact with, learn about and appreciate the unique flora and fauna of the Marlborough Sounds. The centre includes wild bird recovery, endangered bird and gecko breeding enclosures, and a self guided ecotour among native bush. Day/half-day trips include a boat cruise from Picton (Lochmara can easily arrange boat transport for you) on the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, and an optional walk on the Queen Charlotte Track.
Reviewed By GabbyJ123 - Auckland, New Zealand
What a beautiful place to stay. Paula the lady in reception makes you feel so welcomed. She walks you to your room and tells you the amazing things that a available for you to enjoy. My room was lovely and Sunny with beautiful views across the bay. The beds are so comfortable. It’s almost like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Your whole body is supported. The food we had for dinner was so fresh and very flavoursome. They can also cater to your special dietary needs. All the staff a friendly and helpful. Lochmara is a hidden gem
7. Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve located in Picton, Marlborough. A community led project; this safe haven is protected by a predator-proof fence which keeps out introduced predators such as stoats, possums, cats and rats. The charity also has an extensive trapping regime which ensures any invaders are stopped. The Sanctuary is free to enter and is a charming hour to 1.5 hour walk with stunning views to the Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton Harbour. The ideal destination for a morning activity. Access is by water only, so you will need to visit one of the water taxi operators on the foreshore. Some have scheduled trips to the Sanctuary, while others will need you to book. Prices start from $20 per person return.
Reviewed By Naina-Damani - London, United Kingdom
This is a wildlife sanctuary where native bird life and seals thrives which is predator free, next to the Picton Harbour.
8. Karaka Point Walk
9. War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By WayneAP - City of Greater Geelong, Australia
A fitting tribute to those men who gave their life for a better future for others. Some may say it’s in a strange location but considering ships sailed out of this port, I believe that the organisation got it right. A beautiful backdrop that softens what to many is a somber memorial. “Lest we forget”
10. EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 361 reviews
Meet amazing Marlborough Sounds creatures up close✓ Touch our rare living dinosaur (Tuatara - can live up to 250 years) Get close to rescued Little Penguin*, native fish and more ✓conservation in action ✓nature ✓heritage ✓explore & learn ✓family–friendly ✓FUN Get up close and discover some of the amazing animals that live in our beautiful Marlborough Sounds. EcoWorld’s knowledgeable staff share with you outstanding, intimate animal experiences with our animals that have been rescued, donated or bred by us. •Tuataras - New Zealand’s very rare “living fossil” •Little Blue Penguins - Wildlife Rehabilitation Refuge •Yellow and Red Kakariki - endangered parrots •Seahorses - New Zealand pot-bellied seahorses •Giant Squid - “Monster of the deep” •Fish - species from the Marlborough Sounds •Lizards, frogs, turtle refuge etc. •Orca and Hectors Dolphin - life size models •Touch pool, kid’s area, movies, shells, displays etc.
Reviewed By 828libbys
This aquarium is so cool the pufferfish is amazing. I thought I was in a coral reef. There was a giant squid in a container dead because they did experiments on it. We went on a tour - we got to pat heaps of animals and sea life and we learnt heaps.
