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The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the South Island base for the ferry service that links the main islands of New Zealand. It is also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Built around a very sheltered harbour, the town has an attractive seafront dotted with cafés, restaurants and various types of galleries.
The Queen Charlotte Track is a major local attraction which you can conquer on foot, on a mountain bike or simply go out with a cruising, fishing, dolphin watching or sea kayaking local operator.
Motuara Island, in the Queen Charlotte Sound is also historically important as it was where Captain Cook first claimed British sovereignty over the South Island in January 1770. It is now a haven for native wildlife which can be viewed on a range of tours.
Twenty-five minutes from Picton is the Marlborough wine region, famous for its sauvignon blanc. The region has over 40 cellar doors offering tastings for visitors to compare wines ranging from boutique family producers to well-recognised names.
Arrival Port
Port Marlborough, Picton
Berths
Waitohi Wharf is the main port facility.
Shakespeare Bay is available for ships longer than 245m.
Channel Depth: 13.4 metres
WAITOHI WHARF
Max LOA: 804 feet (245 metres)
Draft Alongside: 7.5 metres south-end and 10.0 metres north-end, to be confirmed at time by pilots – 0.3m UKC.
SHAKESPEARE BAY
Max LOA: 1,049.9 feet (320 metres)
Draft Alongside: 15.3 metres
Shore Gangways: Two, plus container platform.
Tidal Range:
Neap – 2.0 feet (0.6 metres)
[0.5m MLWN - 1.1m MHWN]
Spring – 5.6 feet (1.7 metres)
[0.0m MLWS - 1.7m MHWS]
Gateway to
Picton is part of the Marlborough region which includes the Marlborough Sounds, Blenheim and the Awatere and Wairau Valley wine growing regions.
Distance to the city
Cruise vessels berth at Waitohi Wharf close to the centre of the small township.
Shakespeare Bay is slightly further away from the centre of Picton and is a short 3 minute drive away.
Picton is just a short walk from Waitohi Wharf in Picton Harbour. The pier is the town’s main commercial wharf and is adjacent to the ferry terminal. It is a 10 minute stroll along the waterfront to downtown Picton. A complimentary bus from the wharf to the centre of Picton is provided.
Picton is 25 minutes by car to Blenheim.
Taxi Service
If you wish to explore the Queen Charlotte Sound, there are many water taxis available for hire. You can find them easily alongside the Foreshore.
If you wish to hire a land taxi, contact:
Picton Shuttles (based in Picton), +64 27 6965207
Alternatively, rental cars are available for hire at the ferry terminal.
ATM machines/ Currency Exchange
Banks and ATM machines can be found on High Street, Picton.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Sundays: 9am – 5.30pm
The shops will open for cruise ships.
Nearest Supermarkets
- Four Square, 49 High Street, Picton, +64 3 573 6141
- Fresh Choice, High Street, Picton, + 64 3 573 6463
Nearest Internet Cafés
- Picton Library, High Street Picton
- Interislander Ferry terminal, The Foreshore.
- Le Café, London Quay, Picton
- Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co, The Town Wharf, 10 London Quay, Picton
- United Video, 63 High Street, Picton
Post Office
Picton Post Shop, Mariners Mall, 72 High Street, +64 3 573 6900
Note: Closed in the weekend.
www.nzpost.co.nz
Climate
Summer: High of 73F (23°C), low of 54F (12°C)
Winter: High of 55F (13°C), low of 37F (3°C)
Average rainfall of 689 mm and average sunshine of 2470 hours.
Maps
Down the cruise brochure which includes the map from:
Waitohi Wharf
Shakespeare Bay
Visitor Information
Picton i-SITE: The Foreshore, +64 3 520 3113
Blenheim i-SITE: 8 Sinclair Street, across from the Blenheim Railway Station, +64 3 577 8080
www.lovemarlborough.co.nz
What is Picton known for?
Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus Sound, Kenepuru Sound, sauvignon blanc, wineries, Queen Charlotte Track and ferry link from Wellington.
Attractions & Activities
- Blenheim for the vineyards, gourmet food, rivers and gardens
- Walking, kayaking or biking in Queen Charlotte Sound
- Marlborough Sounds
- Swimming with Dolphins
- Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
- Karaka Point for an expansive view up and down the Queen Charlotte Sound both from the carpark and the lookout. It is 7km (4.3 miles) or 15 minutes drive away from city centre.
- Queen Charlotte Drive lookout, a 30 minute walk from the ship, allows unlimited views of the town and the harbour. Bob’s Bay walk – 1 hour return.
For more information on visitor attractions, visit www.lovemarlborough.co.nz.
Destination Marlborough
Contact: Tracy Johnston, General Manager
Email: tjohnston@destinationmarlborough.com
Port Marlborough
Contact: Carmen Gimpl , GM Operations
Email: shipping@pmnz.co.nz
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