Marlborough truly is an outdoor paradise offering year-round sunshine and a diverse landscape of land and water. From cruising the sparkling waters of the Marlborough Sounds and swimming with dolphins, to wine tours, mini golf, hiking and mountain biking, there is a huge range and variety of things to do to suit every Picton visitor.

For those looking for unique attractions and activities, Picton has plenty to keep you entertained! The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum takes you into maritime history with the worlds 9th oldest ship, the Edwin Fox, which is now on permanent display in Picton. EcoWorld Aquarium is also located on the Picton Foreshore and boasts 8 tanks containing hundreds of New Zealand seahorses, from tiny ‘ponies’ to fully-grown adults. There is also a shark pool, crayfish, 6 metre preserved giant squid, octopus, rays, commercial species, rocky shore display, life size models of orca and Hectors dolphin, interactive touch pool, a magnificent collection of marine fossils and much more! A great place for a family outing!

Picton Museum & Historical Society provides a fabulous insight into the early history of the region and is well worth a visit. Open daily from 10am, visitors can learn about the whaling industry which operated from Tory Channel and Port Underwood as well as interesting displays on Maori, Early Settlers and Mythical interest from around the area.

Outdoor activity enthusiasts will never want to leave the Picton area!

Picton is the gateway to the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track. This 71km track is renowned for its stunning views and contrasting landscape, historical landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife. Attracting thousands of hikers each year, the track can either be walked or biked. If walking the track, allow at least 4 days, while mountain bikers with a reasonable level of fitness can do the track in 2 days. Of course, if a 4 day hike doesn’t quite fit in with your time-frame, there are plenty of enjoyable short walks and hikes to be enjoyed in the area, including the Tirohanga Track, which is a 45 minute walk around the back of Picton and offers great views of the Sounds. The Snout Walk takes approximately 2 hours and is an enjoyable peninsular walk starting from Picton and boasts great views own into Picton Harbour and Waikawa Bay. For the less strenuous, or for a bit of family fun, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on the foreshore 18 hole Mini-Golf course.

With the Marlborough Sounds literally at your feet, it is no surprise that there is a plethora of water based activities and attractions to be had in Picton. Visit the Visitor Information Centre for more detailed information regarding what is on offer, but to give you a little taste… there is guided sea kayak tours through the Marlborough Sounds with Sea Kayak Adventures, swim with dolphins for an amazing experience with Dolphin Watch Ecotours, or enjoy a Picton harbour cruise on a traditional steam powered excursion boat as you follow the bush clad coastline around Picton’s conservation reserve to Kaipupu Point into Shakespeare Bay.

When it’s time to hit dry land again the adventure and fun doesn’t stop! Wilderness Guides have mountain bikes for hire so you can traverse the Queen Charlotte Track and Marlborough Sounds Horse Treking provides the opportunity for you to ride through awe inspiring scenery with views of Picton, The Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sound from the back of a horse.

Other popular outdoor adventures include fishing, guided hikes, hunting, jet boating, sky-diving, water ski-ing, diving and much, much more!

Of course if you prefer a more relaxed approach to your Picton holiday, don’t despair! Why not enjoy a scenic flight or chartered sailboat ride in the Marlborough Sounds, game of golf, garden tour, wine tasting or a farm tour. The choices are endless when you choose Picton as your holiday playground!