The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the South Island base for the ferry service that links the main islands of New Zealand and the heart of the Marlborough Sounds.

Built around a very sheltered harbour, the town has an attractive seafront dotted with cafés, restaurants, various types of galleries. There’s also a floating maritime museum and an aquarium. Local operators can take you cruising, fishing, dolphin watching, sea kayaking or mountain biking.