If the Picton cruise port is on your NZ cruise itinerary, we encourage you to get out on deck when you sail in. There is something quite magical about being greeted by the stunning vistas of the Marlborough Sounds.
Nestled in the northern tip of New Zealand’s stunning South Island, Picton is a charming seaside town brimming with activities. Whether you’re keen on exploring picturesque landscapes, indulging in local wine and cuisine, or delving into the town’s rich history, Picton offers a plethora of options. Our recommendations are below.
Map of Picton cruise port highlights including the dock location
Larger cruise ships sailing into Picton dock at Waimahara Wharf in Shakespeare Bay, while smaller ships can dock at Waitohi Wharf. Regardless of which one is your port, there should be a free shuttle bus to the Picton iSite Visitor Information Centre.
Note: if you don’t know what time your ship is at Picton port, check it here.
Where to next: What to do at each of the New Zealand cruise ports
If you haven’t read it yet, don’t miss our general tips for first-time visitors to New Zealand or our overview of cruising in New Zealand. We have written more on each cruise port here:
Check Cruise Direct for deals on New Zealand and Australia cruises
What to do in one day in Picton
From the Picton cruise port, you have a few great options. You can walk off the ship, take the shuttle into town, head inland for a wine-tasting tour, or get out on the water for a scenic/wildlife cruise or more adventurous options like kayaking.
Once you know where you want to go, don’t miss our views on the general advantages and disadvantages of cruise-sponsored tours, independent options, or DIY.
DIY: Explore the Picton cruise port on your own
If you are not in the mood to hop back on another boat and don’t want to go wine tasting, you can simply take the shuttle from the port and explore on your own.
Picton waterfront and marina
Take a leisurely stroll around Picton’s picturesque waterfront and marina area. From here, you can enjoy charming shops, cafes, and galleries.
Historic Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
We recommend a stop in at the historic Edwin Fox Maritime Museum. Here you will see preserved remains of the Edwin Fox, the world’s oldest merchant ship. You will learn about its storied past, including its role in transporting convicts and immigrants. Check here for discount Edwin Fox entry tickets.
Hop on hop off bus
Hop On Hop Off Bus: A Convenient Exploration
If you are not taking a guided tour, we believe the hop-on-hop-off bus is one of the best ways to maximize one day in Picton. This flexible option allows you to see the town’s highlights at your own pace.
Among its 26 stops are parks, gardens, museums, and an easy way to enjoy wine tasting at multiple local vineyards. (Alternatively, check out the Marlborough wine tours in the next section)
With informative commentary and frequent stops, the bus route covers all the main attractions, making it easy to hop off, explore, and then continue our journey. For more details, check out the hop-on-hop-off bus tour here.
Enjoy one of the Marlborough wine tours
Wine connoisseurs will be familiar with the Sauvignon Blanc wines from the Marlborough region. This area is renowned for producing some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, thanks to its unique climate and soil conditions.
Marlborough wine tours provide the opportunity to taste a variety of other local wines, including the Sauvignon Blanc. Either a tour or the hop-on hop-off bus mentioned above are the best ways to explore the vineyards. Check out these three wine-tasting tours:
- Half-day wines of Marlborough tour
This six-hour tour visits five wineries and one chocolate factory. Reserve your cruise excursion – wines of Marlborough tour - Full-day wine tour
If you have a bit more time for wine tasting, this 7-8 hour tour visits 6-7 wineries and the same boutique chocolate factory. Reserve your full-day wine tour. - Private gourmet winemakers tour
This tour for your selected group visits Jackson Estates, Cloudy Bay, Saint Clair, and Clos Henri vineyards in addition to the same chocolate factory. Before you look at the price, note that it is for your group, which can have up to 8 people. Reserve your private gourmet winemakers tour.
Explore Marlborough Sounds from the water
One popular option for Picton visitors is exploring the Marlborough Sounds, particularly the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, known for its breathtaking scenery and tranquil waters. Note that you did sail through a portion of it on your way in and out of port.
Queen Charlotte Sound scenic cruises
Most of the independent cruises going out on Queen Charlotte Sound either leave the dock at 8am or 9am or start a four-hour adventure at 1.30, so both may present problems coordinating with cruise ship timing.
Therefore, depending on your time in port, if a cruise on the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Sound is your pick, you might want to go on one of the Picton shore excursions offered by your ship.
Scenic cruises
- Marlborough Sounds ultimate cruise
An ideal choice for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, this 4-hour tour focuses on the thriving wildlife of the outer Marlborough Sounds. In addition, you have a stop getting off on Motuara Island, a bird sanctuary Island. Reserve your Marlborough Sounds ultimate cruise here. - Queen Charlotte Sound mail boat cruise
Yes, this really is the mail run, and you can join the boat and enjoy the day, see a bit of rural life from the water, and just enjoy. If you read the reviews, you will see that people love this option. Reserve your 3.5-hour morning tour or reserve a 4-hour afternoon option. - Captain Cook and dolphin cruise – Enjoy a four-hour sail on a tall ship. We encourage you to check the times closely before booking this one. Reserve your Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise here.
Kayaking
Paddling from Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound with a guide is a great way to enjoy your one day in Picton. Kayak to sheltered coves and remote beaches while spotting wildlife like eagle rays, cormorants, little penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins. Two companies we like offer either this 4-hour adventure or this 7-hour adventure.
Greenshell mussel cruise
Another of the fun Picton shore excursions includes a visit to salmon and mussel farms. You will learn about the sounds and taste seafood samples accompanied by a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc wine. Samples usually include greenshell mussels, renowned for their flavour and size. Reserve your Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds cruise here.
More fun Picton shore excursions to consider
- Enjoy a self-guided Queen Charlotte Track walk
This 7-hour option includes round-trip boat service from Picton and lets you explore the Queen Charlotte Track, a renowned walking trail with breathtaking views. Note that the return is between 5:30pm and 6:00pm and may not work with your cruise. Be sure to check before booking. Reserve your self-guided Queen Charlotte Track walk here. - Take a scenic flight
There is no better way to see the extensive Marlborough Sounds. Fly over areas inaccessible by road, all four sounds, and mountains rising from sunken valleys. It also includes a landing and a 20-minute visit to a remote, pristine beach. Reserve your scenic flight here.
What to bring when cruising in New Zealand
Good news. We offer several free packing lists, including one for cruise travel. If you are like us and like to have everything you need, but not tons of extra stuff, check out these tips for packing light while cruising.
Don’t miss our best cruise tips
More tips and resources for your cruise
Below are our go-to companies when we cruise. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Cruise: We find great deals at Cruise Direct.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Set up private guides at the ports: Looking to maximize our limited time at a port, we often use private guides from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
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What will you do at the Picton cruise port?
Read more on the South Island starting with 18 Extraordinary Things to Do in the South Island NZ . . .
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