Cruises to Picton

161 Reviews
Picton (Photo:Ramunas Bruzas/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Picton

Picton, on the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand, is a lovely town within easy reach of the famed Marlborough wine region. As you wander around the small settlement, it's easy to feel like a local. There's a laidback yet genuine welcome from the residents who see just enough cruise ships to not be fazed (or overrun) by them.

Understandably, those stunning views across Queen Charlotte Sound (Totaranui), backdropped by steep mountains, encourage visitors to dial back their stress levels and simply relax in the waterfront park or on the beach.

Picton also has plenty of cafes, galleries and gift shops to keep the wanderers happy. There's much more to do in the surrounding area, so be sure to check out the hiking trails, water activities and, of course, the wineries.

  • More about Picton

  • Why Cruise to Picton?

  • Picton Cruise Port Facilities?

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Westerdam
Westerdam

14 Night
Australia & New Zealand

1,112 Reviews
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Royal Princess
Royal Princess

36 Night
Transpacific Cruise

1,777 Reviews
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Crown Princess
Crown Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

31 Night
Transpacific Cruise

2,240 Reviews
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Royal Princess
Royal Princess

23 Night
Hawaii Cruise

1,777 Reviews
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14 Night
Australia & New Zealand

1,112 Reviews
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30 Night
Transpacific Cruise

731 Reviews
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12 Night
New Zealand Cruise

734 Reviews
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79 Night
World Cruise

423 Reviews
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24 Night
Australia Cruise

231 Reviews
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26 Night
World Cruise

1,228 Reviews
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14 Night
New Zealand Cruise

1,777 Reviews
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43 Night
New Zealand & South Pacific Crossing Collector

1,112 Reviews
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38 Night
World Cruise

423 Reviews
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16 Night
South America Cruise

831 Reviews
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9 Night
Australia & Pacific Cruise

3 Reviews
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More about Picton

Why Cruise to Picton?

Pros:

Home of celebrated wineries, spectacular coastlines, dolphin and whale tours

Cons:

The most interesting attractions lie outside town

Bottom Line:

A picturesque seaside town offering access to the magnificent Marlborough Sounds

Picton Cruise Port Facilities?

Ships berth in Shakespeare Bay or at Waitohi Wharf, on a narrow peninsula just up from the town of Picton, a short shuttle bus or taxi trip away.

There is an information kiosk at Waitohi Wharf, although it's probably easier to visit the main i-SITE Information Centre on the way into town, on the Foreshore, opposite the train station (Auckland St; 03 520 3133; open daily 8 am to 6 pm in summer and reduced hours in winter). There are no other facilities at the wharf, except a complimentary shuttle bus for the under-five-minute trip into town. This may be preferable to walking, as the port also services local industries and cargo ships.

Good to Know?

It's possible to pre-book a rental car and pick it up within walking distance of the dock and that's handy if you're in Picton for a more than a day.

Getting Around?

On Foot: Most of Picton's tourist attractions are within 10 minutes of the port.

By Train: Trains are generally long-distance passenger trains to and from Christchurch and Greymouth.

By Bike: There are bicycle rental agencies in Picton, which has a selection of popular scenic bike routes such as the Queen Charlotte Track.

By Bus: There is an InterCity bus service from Picton to both Marlborough and Blenheim.

By Taxi: Taxis are plentiful, cheap and metered and Ubers are also an option. Water taxis are also available at London Quay.

By Boat: Take a scenic cruise on boats that leave from the harbour terminal for a great overview of Marlborough Sounds. Picton is also the departure point for inter-island ferries to the North Island.

By Plane: Sounds Air offers 25-minute flights from Wellington to Picton or Picton to Wellington.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), which has 10, 20 and 50 cent coins, and one- and two-dollar gold coins. Banknotes are coloured and in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Take time to look at the beautiful artwork on the notes featuring prominent New Zealanders as well as local birds, flowers and scenes.

Several ATMs can be found in Picton at the Picton Mall (corner High St and London Quay), and outside Westpac, Picton Central NZ Post and Kiwibank at the Mariners Mall (100 High St).

Language?

English is the main language, although the New Zealand accent may take some getting used to. There is a vowel-shift, so that 'ham' becomes 'hem' and 'best' sounds more like 'bist'. Fish and chips, popular in NZ, is pronounced like the 'u' in 'push' -- fush 'n' chups.


Picton Cruise Reviews
Picton is one of the best ports in New Zealand, as it has a lot of shops and fun activities for all ages. The food there is amazing as well as the views.Read More
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OvationCruiserLily
Picton is a small picturesque town with great scenery. We got the free shuttle into the town. On arrival, we had booked a cruise into the Queen Charlotte Sound with Beachcomber Cruises. The scenery in the sound isRead More
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Travelling Paddies
Probably too small for a visit from large cruise ship. Heard few complaints not much to do thereRead More
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jamfife
Picton is beautiful and picturesque not much there but very pretty and great for you to walk around for the day feed the ducks we got off very early 7:30 we were off we went back on the ship for lunch and we got backRead More
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Beatriz_Imre

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