Picton

Picton is a ferry port town at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, where terminal facilities and maritime infrastructure line the waterfront. The town sits in a natural harbor surrounded by forested hills that slope down to the sea.

The settlement was originally named Waitohi when purchased from the Te Atiawa people in 1850, then renamed after British military officer Sir Thomas Picton. Over time it grew into a major transportation hub connecting the North and South Islands.

The Waikawa Marae serves as a gathering place for Te Atiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui, maintaining traditional Māori ceremonies and community connections.

The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries operate multiple services daily from Picton to Wellington on the North Island. Arriving early helps manage wait times, especially during peak travel periods when services fill quickly.

The cruise liner MS Mikhail Lermontov sank in 1986 in waters near Picton and has become a destination for technical divers. The 140-meter vessel rests at depths between 130 and 200 feet (40 to 60 meters), attracting experienced divers from around the world.

Location: Marlborough District

GPS coordinates: -41.29167,174.00556

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:06