Things to do in Picton

Marlborough Sounds

Located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, the Marlborough Sounds are a magnificent waterway system interwoven with azure waters and lush green mountains. Thanks to its unique temperate maritime climate and pristine natural environment, the region nurtures a thriving terrestrial and marine ecosystem. The calm waters provide an ideal habitat for a variety of marine life. When cruising through the sounds, visitors can often see dolphins playing at the bow, occasionally spot New Zealand fur seals, and even catch glimpses of orcas in the deeper waters. After exploring the sounds, visiting a nearby vineyard to enjoy a glass of white wine paired with locally sourced seafood is also a wonderful travel experience. The Marlborough Sounds blend magnificent geological wonders, rich history and culture, and vibrant ecological vitality. Whether cruising through the blue waters or gazing out at the sea and sky from a mountain trail, these pristine sounds always leave every visitor with an unforgettable impression.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Whale Watch Kaikoura

Whale Watch Kaikoura is an iconic marine experience in Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island. What makes the Kaikoura waters unique is a submarine canyon approx. two kilometers deep that runs close to the coast, creating a rich marine food chain that keeps sperm whales in nearshore waters year-round—making it one of the few places in the world where wild sperm whales can be viewed up close throughout the year. After setting out to sea by boat, a common sight is a massive male sperm whale surfacing to blow a spout, then raising its tail flukes high and diving deep into the sea, with a single dive typically lasting several tens of minutes. Along the way, there is also a chance to encounter pods of dusky dolphins, known for their acrobatic flips and leaps, with a single pod numbering up to several hundred; Hector's dolphins are a small dolphin species endemic to New Zealand, appearing in small groups near the coast and are quite rare; New Zealand fur seals also often rest on the rocks along the route. Migratory cetaceans such as humpback whales and killer whales occasionally appear, mostly in the winter months. The landscape of Kaikoura, backed by snow-capped mountains and facing the sea, is itself an impressive sight during the voyage. Weather at sea is changeable, and trips may be canceled when the wind and waves are strong, so checking the day's sailing conditions before you set out can save you an unnecessary trip.

Queen Charlotte Track

Picton TOP 10 Holiday Park

Cougar Line - Queen Charlotte Track Cruises

Momorangi Camping Area

Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

Edwin Fox Maritime Museumis a museum known for showcasing and preserving the historic shipEdwin Fox. Edwin Foxis one of the best-preserved19th-century wooden sailing ships in the world. Throughout its long maritime history, it participated in routes between the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, and even took part in military operations during the Crimean War. Today,Edwin Foxis docked in Picton and has been converted into a museum, showcasing the ship and the maritime history of that era to visitors. At theEdwin Fox Maritime Museum, visitors can tour the exhibitions inside the ship's cabin to learn about its history and functions. The museum also displays artifacts, photos, and documents related to the ship, as well as exhibits concerning maritime life at the time. In addition, visitors can learn more about theEdwin Foxand19th-century seafaring through guided tours and commentary from docents. Edwin Fox Maritime Museumis not only a museum showcasing a historic ship but also an important cultural heritage site and tourist attraction. It shows people the hardships and adventures of19th-century seafaring, as well as the shipbuilding technology and living conditions of that time. For those interested in maritime history and culture, this is a place not to be missed.

Picton Memorial Park

Alexanders Holiday Park

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Wellington

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaIt is the largest museum in the southern hemisphere, located on the waterfront of Wellington. The museum's name in Māori is "Te Papa Tongarewa," meaning "container of treasures." It houses extensive collections of Māori culture, including a Māori meeting house and Pacific art exhibits. If you want to learn about New Zealand's customs and history, this is the place to visit.Museum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaThe museum is divided into six floors. The lobby on the first floor is flanked by a museum shop and café, while floors two to six feature exhibitions on different themes, including geology and biology, changes in landforms, Māori survival and culture, folk customs and art, and an outdoor sculpture balcony. The museum offers many engaging interactive displays, such as the earthquake house where visitors can experience the tremors of a quake, get up close with a colossal squid, and watch 3D animations to learn about its life mysteries. There is also a dedicated "discovery center" for children. In addition to these permanent exhibitions, the museum frequently hosts short-term contemporary art and cultural activities, which require separate tickets. The museum building itself is also worth seeing—before leaving, don't forget to admire the expensive architecture and the sculpture in front of it: a tree made of twisted wire that looks remarkably lifelike.