Picton On a Budget
Picton, New Zealand
The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!
Sights
Located right on the edge of the island is the Marlborough Sounds, a large ocean inlet that provides incredible views as well as great walking and hiking trails. There are two primary waterways, The Pelorus Sound and the Queen Charlotte Sound. The Queen Charlotte Sound can be reached directly from Picton and is often considered to provide the most picturesque views.Head over to the Edwin Fox Maritime Centre to revel in the beauty and history of the Edwin Fox, the 9th oldest ship in the world. The Edwin Fox is the last surviving ship that once transported convicts to Australia, is the second oldest surviving merchant ship, and is the only ship that is still intact after sailing outside the Falkland Islands. Tickets to get into the maritime center and view the ship are available at the door.
Neighborhoods
Picton is a small town, making it easy to navigate. Located on The Foreshore is the Picton i-SITE Visitor Centre where you can purchase tickets to some attractions and learn more about what to do in the area. Plus, it's just a stone's throw from the Picton train station. You'll find many shops and restaurants located around Nelson Square in the center of town and right by the shore between Auckland and Dublin Streets.Near Picton is the town of Blenheim, which is the highest populated town in the Marlborough region and is often considered to be the center of the Marlborough wine industry. As a result, Blenheim is a wonderful place to explore the food and wine culture of New Zealand. You'll find award winning gardens along with art galleries throughout the town. Blenheim is the ideal spot to take in a bit of luxury in New Zealand.
Don't miss out on a chance to visit the Marlborough wine region which has become a world renowned site for excellent wine in just 20 years. The wineries are located just South of Picton, making it easily accessible by car. You can jump on a tour bus that will take you directly to the region and provides a variety of different options based on the tour package you purchase. You can also explore the area yourself and book your own tour with a specific vineyard or winery since many of the wineries have open tastings and even cellar door sales.
Activities
From walking the trails of the Queen Charlotte Sound to visiting the Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary, you'll never be out of things to do in Picton. If you love being outdoors, you're in luck! You can go for a kayak ride on the Queen Charlotte Sound or relax on the beautiful beaches with their crystal blue waters. You can go for a boat ride through the sound to get a chance at seeing local marine life, such as dolphins and orca whales. Head over to the Marlborough Sounds Adventure Companies who can help you create the perfect adventure.Food and Dining
Being right on the coast, Picton is full of fresh seafood restaurants ranging from the old fish and chip shops to fine dining. Head to Kiwi Takeaways for fish and chips, located right on the bay, you'll also get a great view of the Sound. For something more upscale, take a water taxi to Te Weka Restaurant located in the Portage Resort for fantastic seafood and wine in a beautiful setting. If you're a foodie, take a short trip to Blenheim for a wider variety of restaurants. At Bucchus, you'll find delightful Italian food and for views overlooking the river, head to Raupo Cafe to enjoy breakfast or lunch al fresco.Transportation
There are no local buses in Picton though there is the Picton Train Station located right by the bay and near the Ferry Terminal. Having a car in the area is ideal, especially if you plan to take many day trips around the Marlborough Region. If you prefer not to drive, there are many tour bus services that take you just about anywhere in the Marlborough Region or on the South Island.Related:
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.