Picton is a town of about three thousand people at the top of the South Island, in Queen Charlotte Sound. It’s the starting point for the Trans-Coastal train to Christchurch and the Picton to Wellington ferries, making it an important connection between the North and South Islands.
If you have a little time to kill, visit the Aquarium and Terrarium, which has a large collection of marine life as well as reptiles and a turtle refuge.
Those with more time on their hands can take the time to appreciate the beautiful Marlborough Sounds by walking the Queen Charlotte Track down the coast. The walk is dotted with luxury lodges and restaurants, and can also be travelled by water taxi.
On the water, as well as fishing and water-skiing, you can cruise the sounds and encounter several species of dolphin, or dive the wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov.
On land, you can explore Marlborough wine country by hiring a classic sports car.
