Picton
Picton is nestled in a beautiful sea harbour in the pictureque Queen Charlotte Sounds. Access is gained by air or sea from the North Island or by air, road or rail from within the South Island.
International Flights to New Zealand will end at Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington International Airport. Domestic Flights to Blenheim, just 30 minutes away from Picton, are regular from most main centres. Wellington also offers the opportunity to take a cruise on the Interislander Ferry which plies between Wellington and Picton several times per day. This is certainly a lovely way to be introduced to our magnificent area.
What can I do in Picton?
There is plenty to do apart from study here. The town is within walking distance of most residences and there is ample opportunity for tramping on the world renowned Queen Charlotte Walkway.
There are also several walking tracks around the Picton area, and opportunities are available for water recreational activities such as kayaking and sailing.
Over the summer months Picton and the surrounding Queen Charlotte Sounds becomes very busy when the population burgeons from 4,000 to over 30,000 people. Picton is also on the cruise ship summer circuit and when they are in dock the shops are open until late. There are also other stalls available for the passengers and the town takes on a carnival-type atmosphere.
Picton has attracted a wide number of artists and craftsman to the area in recent years and there is now a gallery for their work to be shown. Picton also has a wide range of hobby and interest clubs available for willing participants. This includes embroidery, radio amateurs, oil and water colour groups, bridge, to name a few.
Our Community
The community of Picton offers much, both to the traveller and the permanent resident alike. Picton town is a terminal point for the inter-island ferry carrying passengers between the South and North Islands and there is always something happening on the beautiful harbour.
Picton is a small enough community to provide a caring safe environment for young people with few of the problems of pollution and overcrowding that occur in the bigger centres. Picton is also the gateway to the South Island, where an interisland ferry to and from Wellington connects the North Island with the South Island.
Employment within this region is wide ranging and there is so much breathtaking scenery throughout the Sounds that artists, poets and musicians thrive in the region.
There are many community groups providing support and educational opportunities to all ages. All community information may be accessed through the Picton Resource Centre located in Mariner’s Mall, telephone number +64 3 573 7790. From Tai Chi to Tapestry the Picton Resource Centre has a wealth of information about what is available within the community and works hand in hand with Queen Charlotte College to ensure that we can open up our facilities to the community outside College hours.
