A FAMILIES GUIDE TO THE GATEWAY OF THE MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS
11 MAY 2023
Looking for a destination that's both picturesque and jam-packed with outdoor activities? Picton, the gateway to the spectacular Marlborough Sounds is one of our favourite towns in New Zealand and one we recommend for outdoor lovers.
Whether you're strolling through the town center, exploring unique shops and galleries, or scoffing down ice cream (don't pretend like it's not a crucial part of any holiday), you'll never be bored. But let's be real, the main attraction here is the walks, hikes, and beaches. The crystal-clear water is practically begging you to dive in and the hiking trails take you through native bush where there's so much for the kids to play with and discover. We love how so many of the walks and hikes take you to uninterrupted views across the Sounds.
So grab your hiking boots (and the kids, don't forget the kids!) and get ready to explore Picton - it's the perfect destination for families who want to soak up the sun and experience the great outdoors.
Whether you're strolling through the town center, exploring unique shops and galleries, or scoffing down ice cream (don't pretend like it's not a crucial part of any holiday), you'll never be bored. But let's be real, the main attraction here is the walks, hikes, and beaches. The crystal-clear water is practically begging you to dive in and the hiking trails take you through native bush where there's so much for the kids to play with and discover. We love how so many of the walks and hikes take you to uninterrupted views across the Sounds.
So grab your hiking boots (and the kids, don't forget the kids!) and get ready to explore Picton - it's the perfect destination for families who want to soak up the sun and experience the great outdoors.
Eat Ice Cream + Say Hello To The Ducks At The Foreshore
Do your kids get instantly attracted to the beach like Arabella and Sienna do? It's like they get tunnel vision as soon as it's in sight or they hear the waves breaking and they get sooo excited to go. Waikitohi Bay is the shelly little beach at the Picton Foreshore and although lots of people swim there, we're not too keen on this as sometimes the water can be an interesting colour from all the boats and cruise ships in the area... but hey, that's just us!
You can usually find a family of very friendly ducks on the beach (which no doubt are super friendly so they get fed) and you can get quite close to them, so this is always fun for the girls to see them up close. There are also some pretty stones and gemstones that can be found along the foreshore which is no surprise as we have found loads of amazing ones in the South Island.
There's lots of grass, paved areas and bench seats to enjoy the beautiful views across the beach and over to the Sounds - it's super picturesque on a clear day and it's a really nice place to chill on a sunny day.
You can usually find a family of very friendly ducks on the beach (which no doubt are super friendly so they get fed) and you can get quite close to them, so this is always fun for the girls to see them up close. There are also some pretty stones and gemstones that can be found along the foreshore which is no surprise as we have found loads of amazing ones in the South Island.
There's lots of grass, paved areas and bench seats to enjoy the beautiful views across the beach and over to the Sounds - it's super picturesque on a clear day and it's a really nice place to chill on a sunny day.
Walk The Plank, Ye Rapscallions!
The Picton Memorial Park Playground is on the foreshore and it features a big pirate ship with a slide, tops, huge tyres and there's even a splash pad to cool off in summer! The little pirates will need to have boat shoes on as it can get super slippery!
Follow The Water Pipe To The Barnes Dam
The Barnes Dam Track in Picton is a 5.6km there-and-back track that walks through native bush to the Barnes Dam at the end of the track. It can be quite narrow and slippery in some parts so little ones really will need their hand held. It's an interesting track to walk, especially when the water pipe seems to get in the way! At the end of the track there is a small but beautiful waterfall and the Barnes Dam. You can climb the stairs to peek over the top of it, but there is a locked gate so you can't get into the dam (probably for the best!).
The girls loved finding an entrance to the rivers along the way and throwing in rocks and watching leaves float down. Even if you don't go right to the end of this track, it's fun to play in the river!
The girls loved finding an entrance to the rivers along the way and throwing in rocks and watching leaves float down. Even if you don't go right to the end of this track, it's fun to play in the river!
An Alternative To The Yellow Brick Rock
The Humphries Dam in the Esson Valley, Picton, starts at the same trailhead as the Barnes Dam Track and it's a much easier track and takes 1.5 hours return. We love hunting for the insects and animals pointed out on the information signs along the track and especially love eating the sweet liquid from the beech insects butts (seriously, read the blog to see how serious I am!).
This track is ideal in all weather because it's so sheltered by the forest.
This track is ideal in all weather because it's so sheltered by the forest.
Pay Only 20c For A Miniature Train Ride + To Sail A Miniature Boat!
One of the cheapest activities we have done in all around travels around New Zealand (aside from the free stuff, of course) is paid 20c each to go on the miniature train rides that run every Sunday on the foreshore! Yes - 20 cents! It's a lot of fun for the kids and so affordable to be able to get the whole family on the train for under $1 (unless you're a large family then it might cost you $2 ;) )
You can also hire out the wee sailing boats to said around in the shallow blue pool next to the miniature train station - also 20c per boat!
You can also hire out the wee sailing boats to said around in the shallow blue pool next to the miniature train station - also 20c per boat!
Catch The Bluebridge Ferry Across To Wellington
When you've done all there is to do in Marlborough, why not catch the Bluebridge Ferry across to Wellington to explore the capital of New Zealand.
Read all about our experience on the Bluebridge Ferry from Wellington to Picton... don't worry, it's the same from Picton to Wellington ;)
Read all about our experience on the Bluebridge Ferry from Wellington to Picton... don't worry, it's the same from Picton to Wellington ;)
Soak In The Views At Cullen Point
If you're driving along the Queen Charlotte Drive, you'll find the Cullen Point Lookout along the way. It's just a 10-minute walk from the carpark and gives beautiful views of the Mahau Sounds and Havelock. It's a nice, shaded walk through the bush and there are all sorts of weird and wonderful things to find along the way.
See Who's The Best At Mini Golf
Beside the merry-go-round is a 18-hole mini golf course which we've played and had a lot of fun doing and it always seems to be quiet during the week which we loveeeee!
Each course is different and we always end up laughing at each other for the ridiculous number of times someone takes to get the ball in the hole, or the fact that they smacked it too hard and can't find it. It's an affordable family outing that's guaranteed to give you the giggles.
Each course is different and we always end up laughing at each other for the ridiculous number of times someone takes to get the ball in the hole, or the fact that they smacked it too hard and can't find it. It's an affordable family outing that's guaranteed to give you the giggles.
Pick A Pony, Unicorn Or Rocket To Fly On
Beside the playground is a merry-go-round which has horses, unicorns and a rocket to choose from and of course Arabella & Sienna always chose the unicorn! It's $4 per child and every time we've been, they've had it all to themselves. The ride lasts a few minutes and it' so cool to see the smile on the girl's faces as they're flying by.
Hike Through Native Bush To An Incredible Lookout
We reckon the Tirohanga Track in Picton is one of the best hikes in the region! The hike to the top of the track through the forest is a lot of fun for the kids because there is so much cool stuff to discover along the way. The views at the top are AMAZING, especially on a clear day (we highly recommend you do the track on a clear day) and the track itself isn't actually very difficult at all. There are some muddy parts, even in summer, but that's what adventures are about, right?
Drive Along The Scenic Queen Charlotte Drive
The Queen Charlotte Drive is one of the most scenic and breathtaking drives we have done in New Zealand! It has to be one of the best in the world too. It's a 40km long drive from Havelock to Picton (or the other way around!) with absolutely beautiful views along the way. It's best to do it from Havelock to Picton because all of the bays to stop are on the lefthand side of the road.
This is a drive you take when you have plenty of time to make the stops to enjoy the views. It's best done on a sunny day so you get to capture the full beauty of it.
There are places along the way where you can make your way down to the beach, like Governors Bay, so the kids can have a swim.
This is a drive you take when you have plenty of time to make the stops to enjoy the views. It's best done on a sunny day so you get to capture the full beauty of it.
There are places along the way where you can make your way down to the beach, like Governors Bay, so the kids can have a swim.
Chill Out In Picton
We can't resist getting an ice cream from Scoop each time we head into Picton, especially in summer! Their flavours change each time we go, but my favourite so far has to be the red velvet and cream cheese ice cream.... drool!!
They are located in the main street - click here for their location on Google Maps.
They are located in the main street - click here for their location on Google Maps.
Take A Dip In The Clear Waters Of Governors Bay Beach
There are a few beaches in Picton which are great for swimming at and Governors Bay Beach is the perfect spot to take a dip in summer (or winter if you dare!). The beach is small with golden sand and crystal-clear water and views out to the Sounds.
There is a 5-minute walk downhill to the beach through the beautiful NZ bush and parking can be limited, so going early is ideal. The only downside is we did go in the height of summer and there were a few pesky wasps hanging around, so we didn't stay too long!
There is a 5-minute walk downhill to the beach through the beautiful NZ bush and parking can be limited, so going early is ideal. The only downside is we did go in the height of summer and there were a few pesky wasps hanging around, so we didn't stay too long!
Support The Kaipupu Sanctuary By Going On A Fundraiser Hike
The Kaipupu Sanctuary is a little island in Picton which has volunteers doing an incredible job of looking after the island to make sure it's predator free. We heard about the fundraiser hike up Gondola Hill in Picton (on private land) and we jumped at the chance to do a new hike AND help raise money for the Kaipupu Sanctuary. Get in touch with the Kaipupu Sanctuary to see when their next fundraising hike is and take the whole family!
View The Marlborough Sounds From Karaka Point
If you're feeling like a short and easy walk then the Karaka Point Track in Picton is 10 - 15 minutes return. It takes you out to a small beach, which is best accessed at low tide (trust us, we learnt the hard way!) and has crystal clear water. The views out to the Sounds are stunning and if you don't want to head down the stairs to the beach, you can enjoy the view from the bench seat before the stairs, or even have lunch at the picnic table beside the carpark.
Waikawa Bay Playground
Sometimes ya just gotta visit allll the playgrounds and the one at Waikawa Bay is small but the view is beautiful and it's a nice place for us to sit and enjoy the view while the girls burn some energy off.
Walk Amongst The Sounds
The 10km there and back Snout Track in Picton guarantees the best views not only at the end of the track, but the beginning too! We couldn't believe our eyes when we parked up and looked out to the Sounds... the view was incredible! The track itself is up and down, mainly through the bush (and muddy in some parts), but there are a few open spaces where you can stop to enjoy the view without having trees in your way. If you're short on time or are unable to do the whole 10kms, walking to just the Queen Charlotte View around halfway along is so worth it.
More to do in New Zealand
ROYS PEAK
OTAGO An iconic 16km hike with non-stop, breathtaking views. It's the best hike you can do in Wanaka (and one of the best in NZ!).
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CIRCLE TRACK
MARLBOROUGH An easy and beautiful walk through native New Zealand forest alongside the Pelorus River in the Marlborough region.
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TROUNSON KAURI PARK
NORTHLAND This sheltered walk is part of the Kauri Coast Trail in Northland where you get to experience giant kauri trees up close.
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