Travel from Wellington (in the North Island) to Picton
(in the South Island) either by ferry or aeroplane. Either
way, you will not fail to be impressed by the complexity
of the Marlborough Sounds. It takes longer for the ferry
to cruise up Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound to
Picton than it does to cross the open ocean of Cook Strait.
The Interisland ferry takes approximately two or three
hours to make the journey depending on the type of craft.
Our apartment is a short walk from the ferry
terminal.
Visit www.interislander.co.nz to
make an online booking.
Soundsair, a locally owned and operated airline, operate up to 8 return flights per day between Wellington and Picton. The flight time is just 25 minutes and is a fast and scenic way to cross the Cook Strait.
Visit www.soundsair.co.nz for more information.
Blenheim and its airport are just a 30 minutes drive to Picton. The airport is served by regular scheduled and charter flights to regional and national destinations and information on airlines operating out of the airport can be found on their website http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/blenheim-airport/index.cfm. Collect a rental car at Blenheim airport from the locally owned and operated Pegasus Rental Cars, 1 Auckland Street, Picton. They offer competitive rates, flexible arrangements and a friendly service. Contact them by e-mail or visit their website www.rentalcars.co.nz. Pre-booking is required to ensure your car is waiting for you on your arrival. Your rental car can be returned in Christchurch.
The journey from Christchurch to Picton via Kaikoura
can be made by car or coach or train.
Intercity Coachlines, operate spacious, modern and well-equipped
coaches travelling from Christchurch to Picton twice daily.
Visit www.intercitycoach.co.nz
to make a reservation.
The transcoastal railway is a spectacular journey linking
Christchurch with Picton and as its name suggests, travels
for over 100km along a thin ledge of land pinned between the
Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura ranges. Visit www.tranzscenic.co.nz
to make a reservation.
By car from Christchurch, the highway takes you northward
towards Kaikoura. The journey
of 179km
(111 miles) takes around 2 3/4 hours. A
rest stop or overnight stay in Kaikoura is a must. Famous
for being one of the best places in the world to
observe marine mammals in close proximity, specifically
the Sperm Whale, Hectors Dolphin (the worlds
smallest and rarest) and 32 other whale and dolphin species.
The journey time from Kaikoura to Picton is 2 hours 15
minutes, a distance of 157 kilometres (97 miles).
On your arrival in Picton you can settle into
our luxury holiday apartment and begin to enjoy the delights
of Picton and the Marlborough Sounds.
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