Many visitors to Marlborough arrive by sea through the glorious maze of deep coves and bays of Queen Charlotte Sound.

At the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, nestled between the mountains and the sea is Picton. European settlement of this area began in the 1840s and many of the early buildings still grace the waterfront and wide streets of Picton.

Stroll along the boulevard where a cluster of charter operators and water taxis hold the key to further Sounds exploration.

Shoppers will delight in the open, market-place atmosphere of Picton's shopping centre with its fine selection of arts, crafts, souvenir, clothing stores and cafes.

It is also the terminus for the famous Tranz Coastal train from Christchurch, the Interislander Ferries to and from Wellington and a busy centre for coaches and shuttles taking visitors on tours to Kaikoura, Blenheim and Nelson.