"Picton - Gateway to the South Island" Picton by M0B1US

Picton is a pleasant little terminus town at the end of the breathtaking Charlotte Sound, part of the famous Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand...

It is strange to think that such a small town is the main overland transport gateway to the whole of the South Island, as it is here that the ferry, rail and road systems open up to the rest of the island!

It is also a gateway to a plethora of outdoor activities that NZ is famous for.

Again, as a terminus, there are plenty of hotels and backpackers here if you need to stop over the night whilst waiting for transport connections.

Also it makes a pleasant stop off if you're just waiting a short time for your ferry, bus or train as there are a good number of decent cafes, bars and eateries - not to mention the mini golf on the waterfront... ;-)

Interisland Ferry departing for Wellington

There are plenty of things to do in the area and Picton makes a cheap place to stay compared to a lot of the luxury boutique hotels and B&Bs in the sounds.

Picton is a relaxed location with beautiful beaches, plenty of easy bush walks and an outstanding climate - they don't call it "Sunny Picton" for no reason! :-)

The world famous Queen Charlotte Track is only a few miles away, as is premium chartered fishing, mountainbiking, yachting, seakayaking and diving...!

Tons to do! :-)

Pelorus Sounds

As the major southern transport link between the two islands, you have plenty of choices...

Firstly you will probably have arrived (or are about to depart) by Interisland Ferry...

Nextly you might be going to or from Christchurch by the way scenic TranzCoastal Train...

Perhapsly you might decide on taking the excellent Intercity Coachlines...

Finally you might hire a car, of which there are about a dozen different hire companies in the ferry terminal building...

Plenty of options!