Picton

Picton, located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, is the starting point into South Island. The surrounding area is renowned for its spectacular seascapes. Picton makes an ideal base for an exploration of the Marlborough Sounds. Today, large areas of the Sound are protected as the Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park. Cruising these waterways is the best way to get a close look at the many secluded bays and bush-clad headlands that make up the park. Excursions inland travel to the heart of a major wine growing region. Marlborough’s wines have an international reputation for excellence and the vineyards around Blenheim offer some exclusive vintages that may be difficult to obtain elsewhere. Other sights include Picton Whaling Museum and the Edwin Fox Center.