Picton Things to Do

Ship Cove is situated on the west shore of Queen Charlotte Sound near the entrance and directly opposite Motuara Island. We came here by Boat on our tour.

It is an important historical site as Captain Cook named the cove after anchoring his ship Endeavour there on 15 January 1770. He hoisted the British flag at the cove and on the high point of Motuara Island. Cook made this spot his headquarters, establishing vegetable gardens, landing pigs, and distributing seeds to the Maoris. He visited the cove five times altogether and spent about 100 days there. There is a monument at the cove and another at Motuara Island commemorate his landing. It is now a bird sanctuary where endangered birds such as the rare South Island robins can be spotted.

Coming here by Boat, we had a chance to see sea life, such as dolphins, penguins, shags and seals.
The Queen Charlotte Track starts here if you wish to do this walk!

The Cruise we did was aboard the Beachcomber, a 90 passenger catamaran.

On the cruise we stopped and viewed a King Salmon farm. Had to laugh, there was only a cheeky Seal sitting there, even though they had tried their hardest to keep the Seals out! I bet he was doing alright!
We went onto historical Ship Cove where we disembarked for 15 mins and were able to have a look around on shore.
Next, Resolution Bay where the pet fish were fed, then onto Endeavour Inlet to view Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove Resorts before returning back to Picton.
Included was a commentary of what we were seeing. We both enjoyed this cruise.
Complimentary tea & coffee was included.

Took approx 3hours

PRICE IN 2010 UNTIL... September 30, 2010.

Adults - $69.00
Child - $35.00 (5 to 14 years)
Infant - Free (up to 4 years)
Departs daily at 9.30am with an approximate return time of 12.30pm

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Running along the side of the Snout is the Picton - Waikawa Bay track. It's an easy walk and has stunning views over the Malborough Sounds from several spots. You can start the track from beside the Picton marina.

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Beautiful and colourful Begonias, Roses, Gerbera Chrysanthemums, Cineraria, Cyclamens and Bromiliads

Picton Garden Centre invites you to join the Picton Garden Centre's Garden Club. It's only $10 to join, which gives you a $10 gift voucher, and you receive 10% off on all future purchases on all stock!

Since 1992, Dolphin Watch Ecotours has operated award-winning ecotours and Queen Charlotte Track walks in the scenic Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. The half-day ecotour cruises take the time to enjoy the wildlife that call these waters home. his firm specialises in guided walks on Motuara Island bird sanctuary, where you'll be amazed at the abundant bird life. Make a day of it, if you choose, and walk a portion of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track during the afternoon.
Total track walks with free pack transfers are also available.
Those looking for a real thrill can swim with the dolphins

This was a fun diversion for a couple of people who had an hour to kill. The course is located by the small Picton Beach & playground and seems to be fairly quiet most of the time. I prefer to full game but my travel buddy isn't always up to walking 6km's and having to swing a club in anger.

Shakespeare Bay is the next one around from Picton and is often full of cut logs. If you have seen my warning re Port Underwood you will know where most of the swimming logs come from. You can drive (or walk if you are keen) to the first corner on the Queen Charlotte Rd and wander down for a closer inspection.

The walk to Bob's Bay is quite nice with two option - the upper or lower Bob's Bay track. It takes only 30 minutes to walk from Shelley Beach (just across the waterfront bridge) to Bob's Bay and there is a nice grassed area to have a siesta.