Picton offers spectacular New Zealand walks throughout jaw-dropping scenery. As the Gateway to Marlborough Sounds, hiking or tramping is the ideal way to explore the area. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I enjoyed my walks at this port-of-call’s Tirohanga Track, The Snout Track and Kaipupu Point. So, read on to learn about these easy-medium walks from Picton’s trailheads.
Picton Background
This charming town is on the northern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known as the Gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. Furthermore, Picton extends northeast along rolling hills towards Waikawa Bay, separated from Picton Harbour by The Snout and Victoria Domain. The harbors, inlets and walking tracks are pristine and scenic. Picton is nestled at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, the easternmost of the Marlborough Sounds. These sounds flow into Cook Strait, the waterway between New Zealand’s North and South Island. Additionally, ferries leave from Picton taking passengers to Wellington.
Scenic Picton is a hub for exploring this incredible part of the world with restaurants, lodging, beaches and walking tracks. The most well-known track for biking and hiking is the extraordinary Queen Charlotte Track. Overall, it traverses 70 km of coastal forests, bays and ridges taking 3-5 days. Also, a taxi ride from Picton can take you to or from this trail, going from Ship Cove to Anakiwa.
3 Picton New Zealand Half Day Walks
For those with only the time for a day hike in Picton, there are 3 awesome options: Tirohanga, The Snout and Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary and Track. New Zealand is one of the most incredible places in the world to hike, because of incredible scenery and plus, nothing can kill you here. There are no snakes, poisonous spiders, bears or crocodiles. Thus, you can just enjoy nature with no worries about any critters.
Tirohanga Track
This Easy-Medium Track gives you the best panoramic views of Picton and its harbor. It is a 6.5 km or 2.6 m trail that can be done in less than 2 hours. Starting at Newgate Street, I made my way to the top of the hill for the awesome views. There is a clearing with a bench for the wonderful scenery. As seen in my first photo, this is one of the best viewpoints of Picton’s harbor front. Additionally, you can even see The Snout and Queen Charlotte Sound.
The Snout Track
This Easy to Medium track can be done in 3-4 hours. From Picton to the Snout and back, the trail is about 5.8 m. This track starts at the Snout Track Car Park of Shelley Beach. There are various trails within Victoria Domain to reach the start, for example, Lower or Upper Bob’s Bay Track and the Picton-Waikawa Walkway. Moreover, the land narrows as you get to the Snout with the Wakiawa Bay on the east and Queen Charlotte Sound on the west. Queen Charlotte Viewpoint is an awesome first stop. And the Grand Finale is the Snout with the full stretch of the sound before you. Overall, it is an epic and scenic journey, yet not too difficult.
Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary and Track
This predator-free island in the Queen Charlotte Sound is extraordinary to experience. Kaipupu Point is a wildlife sanctuary, separated by the mainland by a predator proof fence. A ten-minute boat ride from Picton or kayak ride gets you there. Also, a jetty and floating pontoon allows easy access to the 2.7 km circular track.
Here, I saw very few people and felt like I had the sanctuary all to myself. I explored the forests, gardens, harbor views and beaches. Along a beach I found hundreds of vivid blue oyster shell along the shore. However, I did not see much wildlife. But the botanical treasures more than make up for this. For example, the omnipresent New Zealand Tree Ferns sweep through the air and frame teal harbor scenes.
Overall, Picton New Zealand Walks
This area is such a wonderful hub from which to explore the Marlborough Sound region. It’s walking trails intimately take you inside the bush, on scenic vistas, through colorful flower gardens always sharing the beauty of Mother Nature.
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