region & activities

What to do when you stay with us

  • Get the big picture. Sounds Air operates scenic flights over the Sounds from Picton (Koromiko) airport. www.soundsair.com

  • Get down to detail. An easy walk to the top of Picton High Street with its boutiques, restaurants, cafés, tourist attractions, foreshore departure for most cruises and tours and supermarket. www.picton.co.nz

  • Go bird watching in the Essons Valley, a pristine nature reserve of native beech forest, home to the Tui and the Bell Bird. A walk to the upper valley dam and back will take about 2 hours.

  • Give your camera a workout. View the spectacular coastline of the Queen Charlotte Sounds from one of the many walkways and driveways over the Victoria Domain.

  • Learn about Maori history and culture at stunningly beautiful Karaka Point – an important part of local Maori heritage.

  • Count the masts at Waikawa Marina, the largest marina in the South Island. Drive time, 5 minutes. Lunch on the boardwalk recommended. www.marlboroughmarinas.co.nz

  • Picnic at some of the beaches and coves in the environs.Do you prefer it wild and windswept with blowholes or calm and sheltered with seashells?

  • Explore the Sounds by kayak www.wildernessguidesnz.com Hire one for a half day to suit your level of experience.

  • Deliver the mail. Join the mail boat on its daily rounds as it delivers post and supplies to the outer reaches of the Sounds – you’ll see holiday homes and cottages that are inaccessible by land.www.mailboat.co.nz

  • Take in a unique piece of local maritime history when you visit the Edwin Fox museum and clamber under the decks of this well-preserved 1853 sailing trader. www.edwinfoxsociety.com

  • Sample the crisp white and soft red wines that have made our Marlborough region world famous by visiting local cellars and winery restaurants.

  • Art for art’s sake. The region has many galleries exhibiting traditional, contemporary and local Maori artists and carvers – some recognized, others on their way.

  • Test your stamina. Walk the Queen Charlotte track with or without a guide. Bookings essential. 1 – 4 days. www.qctrack.co.nz

  • Cleanse, tone and moisturize in the day spa – a fitting way to reward yourself for a busy day. www.arthurdevine.co.nz

  • Dolphin Watch Ecotours - Owned and operated by highly-qualified marine biologists, Dolphin Watch Ecotours provides scenic wildlife cruises to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, Historic Ship Cove and the Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand’s stunning Marlborough Sounds. Those looking for the thrill of a lifetime can Swim With Dolphins! We specialize in Scenic Wildlife Cruises and guided or independent walks at Historic Ship Cove or Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary where you'll be amazed at the abundant and vocal native bird life. Make a day of it, if you choose, and combine a dolphin cruise with a walk on the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track during the afternoon. Whatever you're looking for, we invite you to experience the very best of the Marlborough Sounds with Picton's only tourism award-winning cruise operator.

    • Come home to Waterfall Cottage. Aaaaah !

contact us

by phone: +64 3 573-8305

by mobile: +64 27 299-0668

by Email:

Contact Us

Find Us:On Google

Address: 5 Heather Place, Picton,
New Zealand