Best of Picton

Picton is a picturesque portside town at the top of the South Island. In addition to the Interislander ferry drop-off point, it’s also the gateway to the forest, marine and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Take in the main strip of cafes, restaurants and galleries, as well as a floating maritime museum and aquarium, or prepare to set off on the Queen Charlotte Track, one of New Zealand’s leading multi-day hiking trails. If you aren’t up for the full trek, there’s also a Queen Charlotte Sound cruise and walk that will take you on a ride along the Sound followed by a gentle walk through native forests and long the shoreline to a historic lodge. 

Previous kimkim travelers have also boarded a bird-watching cruise to predator-free Motuara Island to spot rare local bird life, or headed to Blumine Island instead in search of the endangered orange-fronted kakariki. Visit wildlife from across the animal kingdom with a cruise out to the Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only accessible by water, and walk the loop track around the reserve, keeping your eyes and ears open for the plentiful bird life, as well as animals like the tree weta, raukawa gecko and waiharakeke grass skink.