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111

For all emergencies.

Emergency Number

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New Zealand Dollar ($)

Local Currency

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4,800 (2022)

Population

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Local Time

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UTC+12 until 3:00am on 28Sep25, then UTC+13

Time Zone

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English
Māori
New Zealand Sign Language

Official/Primary Languages

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Port Essentials

Everything you need to know for your visit to Picton.

Cruise Terminal

Address Waimahara Wharf, Shakespeare Bay, Picton, Marlborough, 7220, New Zealand
Distance to CBD 0.8 km (0.5 miles)
Tender Required No
Walk Off/Shuttle Depends on ship size
Notes The main cruise ship terminal is located at Waimahara Wharf, Shakespeare Bay, a short distance from Picton. Waitohi Wharf, close to the Picton town center, can also accommodate small vessels, but most cruise ships use Waimahara.

General Information

Current Offset UTC+12
Daylight Saving Start Sunday, 28 September 2025 at 3:00am local time. The offset moves to UTC+13.
Daylight Saving End Sunday, 5 April 2026 at 2:00am local time. The offset moves to UTC+12.
Primary Local Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD $).

Currency Conversions

Below we've listed some conversion rates for the New Zealand Dollar against popular international currencies. The exchange rates are based on 100 NZD, are refreshed once per day and were last updated on 20 Aug 2025

Currency Equivalent
USD 58.34
EUR 49.98
GBP 43.31
AUD 90.62
CAD 80.88
JPY 8577.00
CNY 418.38

To convert custom amounts, or to see the exchange rate of the New Zealand Dollar against different currencies, try our currency converter by clicking the button below.

Credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard are widely accepted in Picton. However, smaller businesses may not accept American Express due to higher transaction fees.

Tap-and-pay options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are generally accepted in New Zealand. You can use these methods at most retailers, including Interislander ferries, as well as for other services.

Overall expectation Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, as workers are generally paid a living wage.
Weekdays 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturdays 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Sundays 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Notes

Most shops are required to close on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and ANZAC Day (until 1:00pm).

Staying connected in Picton, New Zealand, is easy, especially for travellers passing through the ferry terminal or exploring the town centre:

A note of caution: Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always secure. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts or entering personal information when connected to open networks. Consider using a VPN for additional security.

PortQuest recommends Nomad eSIM

Whether you're checking maps, messaging friends, or booking last-minute tours, staying connected matters. That’s why we recommend Nomad eSIMs — one of the best travel eSIMs on the market (and we've tried a few!)

Nomad offers reliable, affordable data in over 100 countries, including most cruise ports. No physical SIM swap, no roaming surprises — just install and go.

Get a Nomad eSIM
Outlets Type I
Voltage 230 V at 50 Hz
Outlet and Plug
Electrical outlet

Transportation

Below is a list of common transport options for cruise ship visitors. We haven't included every possible choice — public transport, for example, is not listed since most visitors won't need it for a short, one-day stay.

Train

Marlborough Flyer

Website: Click here.

Phone: +64 3 974 1812

Taxi

Picton Mobility Shuttles

Website: Click here.

Phone: +64 3 573 5151

Marlborough Taxis

Phone: +64 3 577 5511

Picton Shuttles

Website: Click here.

Phone: 0800 25 25 20

Blenheim Taxis

Phone: 0800 802 225

Waikawa Shuttle Limited

Phone: 0800 924 529

Water Taxi

Bluebridge

Website: Click here.

Phone: 0800 844 844

Cougar Line

Website: Click here.

Phone: 0800 50 40 90

Picton Shuttles

Website: Click here.

Phone: 0800 25 25 20

Picton is a compact and pedestrian-friendly town. The town center, waterfront, and key attractions, including the ferry terminal, are within easy walking distance of each other.

Several walking trails, like the Tirohanga Track, offer scenic walks within the town and its surrounding areas.

Picton is a compact and pedestrian-friendly town. The town center, waterfront, and key attractions, including the ferry terminal, are within easy walking distance of each other.

Several walking trails, like the Tirohanga Track, offer scenic walks within the town and its surrounding areas.

Safety & Health

Universal

Call 111

Notes: For all emergencies: fire, police, ambulance.

Current Travel Advisory for New Zealand.

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Safety Precautions

The security environment is similar to that of a large Australian city.

  • Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour.
  • Monitor media for changes to local conditions.
  • Check entry requirements before you travel.

Not sure what these levels mean? Learn more about travel advice levels.

Smartraveller is the official travel advice service of the Australian Government. While primarily aimed at Australian citizens, PortQuest believes it offers practical, up-to-date safety guidance for travellers worldwide. See the full advisory on Smartraveller.gov.au .

Last updated: 17 Mar 2025

Safe to drink? Yes
Precautions While tap water is generally considered safe in Picton, travelers concerned about water quality can choose to drink bottled water or boil tap water as extra precautions.


Weather

Monthly weather in Picton
°C °F
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum Temp 20.6 20.4 18.9 16.8 14.8 12.7 11.9 12.4 13.6 15.5 17.1 19
Minimum Temp 14.6 14.8 13.6 12.1 10.4 8.7 7.6 8 8.8 10 11.6 13.6
Avg Rainfall (mm) 55 68 63 90 80 103 77 92 80 74 75 81
Avg Rainy Days 7 7 8 10 9 11 10 11 11 10 11 11
Daylight Hours 14.8 13.7 12.4 11 9.8 9.2 9.5 10.5 11.8 13.2 14.4 15.1
Avg UV Index 9.1 8.5 7.3 5.5 3.8 2.6 3 4.5 6.3 7.7 8.7 9.1

Best Time to Visit

Cruise ships usually just spend one precious day in port — and we want to help you make the most of it.

To give you the best chance of an enjoyable visit, we’ve created a custom “Best Time to Visit” score for each month, unique to each destination. The score is calculated using factors that are likely to matter the most:

  • Comfortable temperatures
  • Lower rainfall and fewer rainy days
  • More daylight hours
  • Moderate UV levels

Each score is based on historical monthly averages and adjusted for each port’s climate. We weight the above factors — for example, long daylight hours and fewer wet days matter more when you're only ashore for part of the day. That's also why no month gets a 10/10, as there's always a trade-off. For example, warmer weather and clear skies comes with higher UV (and more sweat!).

This chart isn't meant to suggest that a port is bad to visit outside the highest rated months — each season provides something memorable for each location. But if you’re deciding when to cruise, this will hopefully give you the best chance of having perfect weather on your visit.

Best Time To Visit

Temperature Chart

Monthly Max/Min Temperature Chart

Rainfall Chart

Monthly Rainfall & Rainy Days Chart

UV Index Chart

Monthly UV Index Chart

1–2: Low

3–5: Moderate

6–7: High

8–10: Very High

>10: Extreme



Tours & Experiences

Each tour you see below has been selected for cruise ship visitors. For example, each tour has Free Cancellation, as most of us have experiened the stress of trying to refund a tour when a port visit is cancelled or an itinerary changed on short notice. They're also no more than 6 hours in length, leaving you plenty of time to make dinner on the ship, or explore the port further on foot.

By booking through our links, you help support PortQuest and allow us to continue providing valuable content to enhance your port visits (at no extra cost to you).

Top Attractions

Discover the top attractions in Picton, selected for cruise passengers!

Marlborough Sounds
4.7 (655)
View Details

PortQuest Picks

Our team has hand-selected these tours to showcase the best and most unforgettable experiences each port has to offer — ones we've either personally enjoyed or have at the top of our bucket list.

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Browse Tours

Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour Including Wine Tasting
Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour Including Wine Tasting

Enjoy a relaxing day out around some of the beautiful wineries in Marlborough. Learn about the regions great wines and sample at least 4 wines at each cellar do...

$121 USD (≈ 207 NZD)
6h 0m
4.9 (411)
Find out more
Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour
Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour

Join the team from 'the original Marlborough Wine Tours and Discover New Zealand's premier wine region on this half-day tour with pick up options from Picton an...

$115 USD (≈ 197 NZD)
4h 0m
4.9 (186)
Find out more
Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour
Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour

Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And get to stop by a...

$181 USD (≈ 310 NZD)
1h 15m
5.0 (43)
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Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Region Tour from Picton
Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Region Tour from Picton

This tour is for Cruise Ship passengers arriving in Picton, New Zealand Explore New Zealand's premier wine region on this 5-6 hr tour from Picton. Visit four d...

$145 USD (≈ 248 NZD)
5h 30m
4.9 (66)
Find out more
Private Marlborough Winery Tour
Private Marlborough Winery Tour

Let our winemaker tailor a Marlborough wine tour especially for you or your group’s needs… or let us surprise you with something special! You decide the start a...

$453 USD (≈ 776 NZD)
6h 0m
5.0 (14)
Find out more
Marlborough Sounds Greenshell Mussel Tasting Cruise
Marlborough Sounds Greenshell Mussel Tasting Cruise

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island, with this indulgent Greenshell Mussel Cruise. On the cruise you'll...

$85 USD (≈ 145 NZD)
3h 0m
4.8 (46)
Find out more
Private Guided Marlborough Wine Tour From Picton NZ
Private Guided Marlborough Wine Tour From Picton NZ

Join one of our experienced wine tour guides for a day out in the Marlborough region. You can choose to visit all wineries or you might want to add a gin or bee...

$906 USD (≈ 1553 NZD)
5h 0m
5.0 (6)
Find out more
Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton
Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton

This Wildlife and Dolphin tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! You will have the opportunity to see rare seas...

$90 USD (≈ 154 NZD)
3h 0m
4.8 (53)
Find out more
Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise
Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

This tour offers an amazing fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! Guided by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you are sure to spot some r...

$96 USD (≈ 165 NZD)
4h 0m
4.8 (25)
Find out more
Picton & Blenheim Scenic Tour
Picton & Blenheim Scenic Tour

Travel in a comfortable van, relax and watch the countryside out the window as we go from location to location. Guide lives locally and will tell you all about ...

$79 USD (≈ 135 NZD)
4h 0m
5.0 (3)
Find out more
Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.
Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.

Travel in a comfortable van, watch the beautiful countryside go by as we drive from location to location. Sample 4 different local wines at 4 different location...

$97 USD (≈ 166 NZD)
4h 0m
5.0 (2)
Find out more
Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise
Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service ...

$74 USD (≈ 126 NZD)
4h 0m
4.7 (274)
Find out more
Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton
Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular ...

$96 USD (≈ 165 NZD)
4h 30m
4.7 (160)
Find out more
Private Shore Excursion: Explore Marlborough from Picton
Private Shore Excursion: Explore Marlborough from Picton

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region.  Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet tre...

$1084 USD (≈ 1858 NZD)
4h 0m
4.8 (4)
Find out more
Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise
Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular ...

$96 USD (≈ 165 NZD)
4h 0m
4.7 (109)
Find out more
Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton
Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. The cruise features a tasting of local salmon, and Gre...

$85 USD (≈ 145 NZD)
3h 0m
4.7 (121)
Find out more
Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights from Picton
Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights from Picton

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region.  Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet tre...

$1084 USD (≈ 1858 NZD)
6h 0m
4.2 (5)
Find out more
3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise
3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise

Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at daily life in the unique and isolated Marlborough Sounds as we deliver goods and passengers to far-flung jetties an...

$66 USD (≈ 114 NZD)
3h 30m
4.4 (47)
Find out more
Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton
Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

Visit Ship Cove on a morning boat cruise that explores the Marlborough Sounds, a broad network of waterways that makes up 20 percent of New Zealand’s coastline....

$64 USD (≈ 110 NZD)
3h 30m
4.4 (134)
Find out more
Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton
Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring Motuar...

$66 USD (≈ 114 NZD)
4h 30m
4.1 (33)
Find out more
CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours
CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours

THIS IS A CRUISE SHIP ONLY TICKET. TRAVELERS WHO ARE NOT CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS CANNOT BOOK THIS TICKET. IF WE DISCOVER YOU ARE NOT CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS YOU W...

$78 USD (≈ 134 NZD)
1h 0m
4.0 (80)
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Picton Travel Map

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Legend

  • Terminal icon Cruise Terminal
  • Restaurant icon Restaurants
  • Bar/Pub icon Bars & Pubs
  • Hospital icon Hospitals (Emergency)
  • Pharmacy icon Pharmacies
  • Attraction icon General Attractions
  • Museum/Gallery icon Museums & Galleries
  • Zoo icon Zoos