Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Picton?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Picton?
Many visitors spend one to two days in Picton during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This town offers a number of attractions to explore, including the beaches, the hiking, the restaurant scene, and the museums and landmarks.
Picton is located on the north coast of New Zealand's South Island. Many people use it to access the Marlborough Sounds, but the town itself is charming and a nice place to spend a few days. There are wildlife centers, walking trails, and beautiful boat rides that you can enjoy in the area.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Picton? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Picton?
With three days you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Picton has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Picton as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the beaches, the hiking, and the restaurant scene at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 3 days in Picton
The beautiful beaches await you in Picton, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton ($92)
- Half-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton ($68)
- Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton ($68)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough ($40)
- Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour ($111)
- Blenheim Half day Wine Tour ($123)
Picton is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.
Known for it's hiking, Picton sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Ancient Lava Stream Trek through dense Tropical forest. ($37)
- Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton ($92)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Picton.
The public transit in Picton is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. There are water taxis but no buses around town.
Perhaps the most famous spot in Picton is the Queen Charlotte Track, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Picton.
Is 4 days enough time in Picton?
Four days is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Picton, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Relax at the beach, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and browse the museums on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Picton as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Picton, New Zealand
How to spend 4 days in Picton
With 4 days in Picton, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Picton.
Is 5 days enough time in Picton?
Five days is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Picton. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so more time would allow you to experience the beaches, the hiking, the restaurant scene, and the museums and landmarks at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in Picton
If you have more than 5 days in Picton, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.
The small-town atmosphere of Picton is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a charming port town that many use as a gateway to the Marlborough Sounds.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Picton.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Picton, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.