TOP 10 things to do around Picton & Marlborough!

There are so many reasons to visit Picton and Marlborough but we’ve distilled it down to 10 of our favourite things, just to whet your appetite! Picton TOP 10 Holiday Park is a brilliant base for all of these adventures, and more!

1. Explore the Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds are a breathtaking network of sunken river valleys created around 14,000 years ago as sea levels rose. What’s left is more than 1500km of bushy coastline with beautiful secluded bays, steep, forested hillsides, and predator-free islands bursting with birdlife.

The Sounds are best appreciated from the water on boat trips where you’re likely to spot one of five resident dolphin species, but you can slice and dice your Sounds adventures in numerous ways including kayaking trips, wildlife cruises, fishing charters, luxurious lodge lunches, or on foot or in the saddle on the famous Queen Charlotte Track.

2. Savour some wine time

Marlborough is New Zealand’s powerhouse wine region producing around three quarters of the country’s wines. Alongside world-beating sauvignon blanc, the region also boasts some fantastic bubbly, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and awesome aromatics including Pinot Gris and Riesling. With around 30 cellar doors to visit, there’s almost every winery experience on offer from fancy lunches at world-famous producers to more intimate tastings at micro-sized, family run vineyards.

We can help you book a shuttle or guided tour, hire bikes, or simply point towards the wineries that will suit you best. Click here for the Marlborough Wine Trail map.

3. Reach for the skies at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

You’ll find Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre absolutely captivating whether you’re a plane spotter or not! Stories of WWI and WW2 are brought vividly to life through an amazing collection of aircraft set amongst dazzling displays created by Peter Jackson’s Wētā Workshop.

The location right alongside the pretty airfield means you’ll often see various planes circling against the backdrop of the golden Wither Hills, while real enthusiasts can take to the skies in a Yak-3 fighter. The biennial Classic Fighters airshow is not to be missed! (Next show Easter 2027).

4. Follow The Whale Trail

Set for completion in 2027, this 200km biking and walking rail from Picton to Kaikōura is already making waves with the sections that are open. It starts near the centre of Picton around a 15 minutes cycle from the park, giving you easy access to the Waitohi and Wairau trail sections (Picton–Blenheim approximately 2 hours).

Extend your Whale Trail ride from Blenheim on the Awatere section that heads over the Redwood Pass through to Seddon. Get the lowdown on The Whale Trail website.

5. Walk or bike Victoria Domain

Right on the park’s doorstep is Victoria Domain. Overlooking Picton Harbour and Queen Charlotte Sound, this forested expanse has a brilliant network of walking tracks and bike trails, with amazing views out across the water.

For more walking inspiration, take a look at this Picton walking and biking guide.

6. Wither Hills Farm Park

Right on the edge of Blenheim, Wither Hills Farm Park is the town much-loved recreation reserve threaded with super-scenic trails offering stupendous views across the Wairau Valley and Cook Strait. Walkers should consider the Rotary Lookout and Twin Tanks Loop, while bike riders should check out the Stockyard and Rifle Range trails that trace the lower foothills. Next door is Wither Hills Mountain Bike Park, heaven for fans of singletrack.

7. A Picton day out

This pretty port town is way, way more than just the place where the ferry docks! Allow a whole day (or three) to explore top spots such as the Foreshore reserve and playground, the Snout Walkway (in Victoria Domain), Link Pathway and Queen Charlotte Drive.

The town centre also offers satisfying browsing in boutique shops and plenty of places to eat – anyone for mussels or fish and chips, followed by ice-cream?

8. Eat and drink local

With such wonderful wine and loads of great local produce, it’s no wonder Marlborough delivers the gourmet goods! Notable restaurants include Arbour amongst the vines, and Sisu in Picton, and there are a bunch of great cafes in town and country including out at the Vines Village near Renwick.

For provisions, the must-do is Blenheim’s Sunday Farmers’ Market at the A&P Showgrounds, and be sure not to miss Boom Sauces & Lunch Bar, the Burleigh Bakery for scrumptious pies, and Makana – maker of utterly irresistible Macadamia Toffee Butter Brunch. Consider yourself warned!

9. Take a drive to Rārangi and Whites Bay

A terrific driving tour from the holiday park takes in the lower Wairau Valley and coastline, passing over the Wairau Diversion and along the shingle beach at Rarangi before winding over the hill to Whites Bay. A DOC reserve with a great swimming beach and grassy picnic areas, Whites Bay also boasts walking tracks with terrific Cloudy Bay views.

10. Relax and take it easy

When it’s time for some R & R, look no further than our peaceful holiday park where you can pull up a chair, relax in the sun, fire up the barbie and enjoy good times with family and friends.

If you’re feeling energetic you can always pop down to Waikawa Bay for a quick dip, then reward yourself with refreshments at the Jolly Roger Restaurant & Bar.

For more, marvellous Marlborough activities and attractions, visit the official MarlboroughNZ website.