Getting here
Picton is centrally located in New Zealand at the top of the South Island, in the Marlborough Sounds. As the main port linking the North and South Islands and the Cook Strait ferries, and positioned on State Highway 1, Picton is very easy to get to.
By sea
Passenger ferries that travel between Wellington and Picton depart several times daily. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, via the Marlborough Sounds.
The Interislander - ask about our day trip package from Wellington.
Bluebridge Ferries
By air
Marlborough is a short 20-minute flight from Wellington, 50 minutes from Christchurch or 1.5 hours from Auckland. Flights land at Marlborough Airport, a 30-minute drive from Picton, or Picton Airport (Sounds Air only), a 5-minute drive from Picton.
The Cougar Line office is a drop off/pick up point for the Sounds Air shuttle.
By road
Picton is located on State Highway 1 and is easily reached by car. A number of daily bus services also operate between Picton, Blenheim, Kaikōura, Nelson and Christchurch.
Travel times by car:
Picton to Blenheim - 30 minutes
Picton to Nelson - 2 hours
Picton to Havelock – 40 minutes (via Queen Charlotte Drive)
Picton to Kaikoura - 2 hours
Picton to Hanmer Springs - 4 hours
Picton to Christchurch – 4.5 hours