Description:
Picton Lodge Backpackers is a purpose built Lodge
situated 150m from the Ferry Terminal that enjoys
views of the Marlborough Sounds from its Balcony.
A Cafe/Bar next door, a two minute walk from the
town centre, with lots of Cafe's and a Supermarket.
Handy to the Info Centre, Buses, Train, and Town Wharf.
When you stay at Picton Lodge you can relax on the
covered balcony overlooking the magnificent
Marlborough Sounds, Fire up the BBQ and have a
drink with new found friends.
Picton Lodge is a comfortable, convenient place to
explore the marvelous Marlborough Sounds and to
walk the Queen Charlotte Track, or just relax.
At Picton Lodge we cater for all backpacker holiday
needs, from arranging your Accommodation to
organising your sightseeing.
Our friendly staff will help you to make the most of
your stay by giving advice on the best places to eat,
drink, and activities to make your visit enjoyable.
Free Pick up from the Ferry Terminal on request.
We have full Laundry facilities, card and pay Phones,
Internet, Fax machine, and a fully equipped Kitchen.
Coffee, Tea, Sugar, Herbs, and BBQ are supplied Free.
There is free use of Blankets, Mountain Bikes, and
Fishing gear.
A log fire will keep you nice and warm in the winter.
Relax in our comfortable lounge, watch TV or view a
free video from our large selection. Catch up with
friends on the internet. Meet new friends. We have a
large off street car park, and a secure lockup for
your Mountain Bikes and Motorbikes.
There are also secure lockers for your packs while
you are out on the Queen Charlotte Track.
Stay awhile, relax and spend time enjoying Picton's
village lifestyle. Take advantage of the fact that Picton is
an ideal base to explore the attractions of the Sounds
and Marlborough.
Children welcome.
Amenities:
- 24 Hour Reception
- Bath / Hot Tub
- Coffee / Tea Maker
- Hair Dryer
- High-speed Internet
- Laundry service
- Non-Smoking Rooms
- Parking
- Safe-Deposit Box
- Tour Desk
Check-in:
From 11:00 AM
Check-out:
Prior to 10:00 AM
Transportation:
27 kms from Havelock (via Queen Charlotte Drive)
Turn left south of Havelock and enjoy a leisurely drive
through to Picton take the first left after the roundabout
travel past the BP station and we are just around the
bend with a large off street Car park in front.
Queen Charlotte drive is very twisty and narrow, but
very scenic. Not advisable at night.
Alternatively stay on State Highway 1 to Blenheim, turn left
at Raparua Rd. to Spring Creek and turn left to Picton.
This is a longer but straighter road which takes the same
time as the scenic route.
24 kms from Blenhiem
Travel North on State Highway 1 and head for the ferry
terminal, we are just past the BP station on the left.
Car Parking:
Large Off street Carpark in front of the Hostel
Attractions:
ATTRACTIONS
Picton Lodge is situated in Picton, which is at the top of the South Island
in the Marlborough Sounds. Picton is the South Island Terminus for the
Inter-Island ferries which cross the Cook Strait from Wellington.
Local Restaurants
Picton is a small town with a passion for good food and friendly service.
Menus, varied for all pockets.
The Yacht Club The Seabreeze Marions
The Dog and Frog Le Cafe Crow Tavern & Restaurant
Rumba Shaitarna's DA's Restaurant
The Barn cafe & Bar Spinakers Jolly Roger Bar & Cafe
Skippers of Waikawa Toot'n'Whistle Gusto's
Activities
The waters of the Marlborough Sounds are perfect
for diving, kayaking, fishing, sailing, and Boating.
Picton is the starting point of a variety of cruises
around the magnificent Marlborough Sounds.
There are a number of excellent walking tracks
including the famous Queen Charlotte Track,The Snout track,
the Tirohanga track, the Essons Valley, and the Nydia Track.
We offer a booking service for the Queen Charlotte
Track. The Queen Charlotte Track stretches from Ship Cove
to Anakiwa, a spectacular 67km walk, which takes three or four days.
Boats to Ships Cove leave at 8am, 9am, 9.30am and 10am
There are also Day walks on this track which we can
organise for you.
Endeavour Express-----------www.boatrides.co.nz
Beachcomber-------------------www.mailboat.co.nz
Cougarline------------------------www.cougarlinecruises.co.nz
How about spending an afternoon on the local Mail Boat
delivering the post to the isolated bays of the Queen Charlotte
Sound and the Tory Channel.
Beachcomber---------------------www.mailboats.co.nz
Sea Fishing
The many sheltered beaches and secluded bays in the sounds
provide excellent fishing opportunities. Borrow one of our rods
and try your hand. The best way to gaurantee results is by boat.
Your skipper knows the best spots, and you will be cooking your
own fish meal back at the lodge.
Fishing Trips:-
Sounds Connections---------------www.soundsconnection.co.nz
Toa Tai Charters---------------------www.soundsfishing.co.nz
Kayaking
One of the best ways to see the beauty of the Sounds is in a
Kayak. Day and half day trips are offered.
A number of excursions are offered from Picton including
three day Kayaking, Mountain Biking and Walking tours
Marlborough Sounds Adventure-www.marlboroughsounds.co.nz
Southern Wilderness----------------www.wildernessguidesnz.com
Mountain Biking
The Queen Charlotte Track is one of the only tracks that can
be mountian biked. Bikes can be hired by the hour or day.
Ship Cove to Furneaux part of the track is closed to bikers Dec-Feb.
Marlborough Sounds Adventure-www.marlboroughsounds.co.nz
Endeavour Express-------------www.boatrides.co.nz
Underwater Diving
Situated at the top of the South Island the Marlborough Sounds
are formed by a network of ancient sunken valleys which form
a vast waterway consisting of over 3000k of diveable coastline
garanteeing great diving or snorkelling all year.
Dive in the local Marine reserve or wreck dive the Mikhail Lermontov
Dive Marlborough----------------www.godive.co.nz
Divers World----------------------www.pictondiversworld.co.nz
Jet Skiing
Pull the wetsuit on, leave the hot pavement behind and prepare to
spin out. One hour Blast, or a two hour Shake Up.
Jetski Tours----------------------------------------www.jetskinz.com
Tours Downunder--------------------------------www.toursdownunder.com
SkyDive
Sky diving is quite simply the best rush you can have!!!
Skydive the Sounds is based in the heart of the Marlborough
Sounds and is the worlds most unique skydiving experience
Sky Dive the Sounds --------------www.skydivethesounds.com
Golf
Marlborough has a large range of golf links.
Picton Golf Club. Wairau GC
Blenhiem Golf Club Rarangi GC
Marlboroughs Fairhall GC Golfers World
Mini Golf
Just across the road,
Wine Tours
Half day and Full day tours right into the heart of New Zealands
premier vineyard district. Sample the best that the wineries have
to offer. Small relaxed groups.
Sounds Connections---------------www.soundsconnection.co.nz
Eco and Dolphin Swimming Tours
Ecotours in search of the most acrobatic of Dolphins-- the dusky dolphin
Swimming with the dolphins is an experience that you will never forget.
Dolphin Watch Marlborough------wwwnaturetours.co.nz
Boating Safaris
A unique experience, drive a boat, explore the sounds
Enjoy the thrill of driving your own boat.
Explore the Sounds by Boat------------------www.waterways.co.nz
Swimming
You can swim at many of the beaches and coves surrounding the sounds
but beware of rocks and reefs at low tide.
Local Museums
While away an hour at the small local Museum. The Edwin Fox Museum
is also worth an hour or two. The Edwin Fox is the eighth oldest ship in the
world and has had a varied career
