Picton Cruises

Picton is a picturesque port town located in the north of the South Island in New Zealand. The town is a major transportation hub between the North and the South Islands, connecting the road, rail and ferry networks. Picton is also a popular gateway on the way to the stunning islands of Marlborough Sounds.

This seaside town is small, with a population of just over 4500 people, but has quite a lot to offer its visitors.

The Best Time to Cruise to Picton

Some of the best things to do in Picton are outside, such as:

• Dolphin watching
• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Mountain biking

So comfortable weather is crucial.

Picton boasts mild temperatures all year round, however, winters (June to August) are quite cold and wet. We would recommend visiting in the following months:

• January
• February
• March
• December

Temperatures average between 20-25℃, plus it is dry and sunny.

Things to Do in Picton

Picton is absolutely idyllic when it comes to the scenery surrounding the town. If you only have a couple of hours to explore it, stay around the Picton Foreshore and enjoy a beverage at one of the numerous cafes of London Quay, along with tranquillity and the beautiful views of the Marlborough Sounds.

If you have a bit more time to spend in Picton, check out our top picks:

• Go on one of Picton’s famous walking tracks, there is a great variety, depending on how long you want to walk for: try the 30 minute Queen Charlotte Drive Lookout walk for spectacular views at the top or explore the bush for hours on the Snout Track.
• Pick up a special pass in advance and bike the 70km Queen Charlotte Track, one of the country’s most scenic routes.
• Pet an ancient Tuatara lizard and a Blue Penguin at the EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
• Hire a sail boat or a kayak and explore the best of the Marlborough Sounds with their remote bays and untouched nature.
• Make sure you try the local delicacy, fresh King Salmon.

Top Cruise Lines

Picton is part of a great number of New Zealand itineraries sailed by some of the most reputable cruise lines. Quite a few of them will set sail from a home port near you.

Here are the most popular ones:

• Princess cruises to Picton
• Royal Caribbean cruises to Picton
• P&O Australia cruises to Picton
• Silversea cruises to Picton
• Holland America cruises to Picton