Pretty as Picton

The little town on the edge of the Marlborough Sounds.

Might we suggest starting at The Picton Bakery: the pastries are tasty and the simplicity of sipping a coffee beside the foreshore is divine.

Picton is of course the harbour that welcomes ferries from Wellington; the journey across the Cook Strait a rite of passage for Kiwis.

Once here, getting out on the water is a must. There are several operators with vessels to whisk you across Queen Charlotte Sound. Their add-on activities range from wine tasting and historical stop-offs to bird watching on Motuara Island. If you’re a foodie, book the Greenshell Mussel Cruise. Departing at dusk, it pairs sightseeing and sunsets with fresh seafood.

To work up your appetite again, Victoria Domain is accessible from town and has several easy walking trails. Tirohanga Track is also popular for its striking vistas over the Sounds and Picton.

Historywise, the world’s oldest merchant ship lives at the Edwin Fox Ship & Visitor Centre, and because whaling was once a big deal here, its history, albeit confronting, can be better understood at the National Whale Centre and Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum. If you’d rather appreciate their living magnificence, boat tours from the wharf specialise in orca spotting, as well as dolphin encounters.

DON’T MISS!

• A walk to Essons Valley Reservoir to see the glowworms

• The gorgeous outlooks while driving up the Kenepuru Sound

• Fishing charters for delicious seafood

Fresh mussels on boat

Marlborough Tourism

• The region’s far-reaching water taxis

• Art-house movies at Picton Cinemas

• Picton’s lively art scene at The Diversion Gallery

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz