Picton Ferries

The port of Picton plays a key role in the ferry network of New Zealand, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry companies, Picton serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Picton, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Wellington - Picton connecting Picton with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Interislander, Bluebridge run regular services from Picton, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Picton offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Picton is most commonly reached via the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry services from Wellington, with sailings taking approximately 3.5 hours across the picturesque Cook Strait. For those already in the South Island, Picton is accessible via State Highway 1, about 25 minutes from Blenheim or 2 hours from Nelson. The Coastal Pacific train offers a scenic rail journey from Christchurch (5.5 hours), running along the Pacific coastline before terminating at Picton's railway station. The ferry terminal features ample parking facilities for those arriving by car, with both short and long-term options available. Regular shuttle buses connect the town center with the ferry terminal, making transfers seamless.

Nestled at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton serves as the vital link between New Zealand's North and South Islands. This charming seaside town blends maritime heritage with stunning natural landscapes, creating an ideal starting point for exploring the Marlborough region. As ferries glide into its sheltered harbor, visitors are greeted by a vista of bush-clad hills cascading down to azure waters, promising adventure both on land and sea.

Picton enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with summer temperatures (December to February) averaging a pleasant 22-24°C, perfect for exploring the Sounds and outdoor activities. Autumn (March to May) brings stunning golden hues to the surrounding landscapes and milder temperatures around 15-20°C, with fewer tourists creating a more relaxed atmosphere. Winter (June to August) is cooler at 10-14°C but still relatively mild, with the benefit of significantly reduced visitor numbers and accommodation rates. Spring (September to November) sees the region burst into bloom, with comfortable temperatures and increased ferry services beginning in preparation for summer. The annual Picton Maritime Festival in January showcases the town's seafaring heritage and is worth planning around if you enjoy local celebrations.

From Picton's bustling port, the magnificent Marlborough Sounds unfold with numerous island destinations just a short ferry ride away. Ship Cove/Meretoto, Captain Cook's favorite New Zealand anchorage, can be reached in about 1.5 hours, offering historical significance and the starting point of the renowned Queen Charlotte Track. Lochmara Bay, approximately 30 minutes by water taxi, features a unique art and nature retreat with underwater observatory and walking trails. The predator-free sanctuary of Motuara Island lies about 45 minutes from port, where rare native birds thrive in a protected environment. For wine enthusiasts, water taxis to Punga Cove (1 hour) provide access to vineyards producing the region's famous Sauvignon Blanc, with scenic stops along the way.

Picton offers an array of experiences centered around its maritime heritage and natural surroundings. The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum houses the world's second-oldest merchant sailing ship, providing a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century seafaring life. For nature enthusiasts, the Queen Charlotte Track presents world-class hiking with panoramic views across the Sounds, accessible via water taxi from the harbor. Fresh seafood dominates local menus, with green-lipped mussels and Marlborough salmon being regional specialties worth sampling at waterfront restaurants like Le Café or the Oxley Hotel. The compact town center features charming artisan shops and the excellent EcoWorld Aquarium where visitors can encounter native wildlife including little blue penguins. Just a short drive from the ferry terminal, the Marlborough wine region beckons with over 30 cellar doors offering tastings of internationally acclaimed wines.

Picton was originally named 'Waitohi' by local Māori and was renamed in 1859 after Sir Thomas Picton, a Welsh military leader who fought alongside Wellington. The Cook Strait crossing that ferries make to reach Picton is considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, yet can also be one of the roughest stretches of water when conditions change. The Marlborough Sounds where Picton sits were formed not by volcanic activity but by rising sea levels flooding ancient river valleys after the last ice age. Despite its small size (population around 4,500), Picton handles over a million passengers annually through its ferry terminal, making it one of New Zealand's busiest transport hubs.