Why Picton?

Aside from its natural beauty and warm weather, Picton is the gateway to The Queen Charlotte Track and the ferry terminal for Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.  It is located on the north coast of the south island.  It is a small city of about 4000 residents and was founded in 1842.  The town and waterfront architecture with park reflect its British colonial heritage.  From Picton, it is only a thirty minute drive to Blenheim and the famous Marlborough wine country.  Nelson, a charming city to the west, is approximtely a 2 hours drive, and Abel Tasman Park (great coastal walking track) is an additional hour beyond Nelson.  The Marlborough Sound is a landscape of incredible vistas, mountains and fiords, and clear deep water, the home to thousands of fur seals and dolphin. 

We visited Picton only once in 2010 as our point of departure by water taxi to The QCT, staying just two nights - once on the way out, and once with very sore feet, on our return.  We loved the small restaurants and pubs, and took particular note of the new condos being built overlooking the sound and the ferry terminal.  Checking the latter out by internet, we found several for rent at a very reasonable rate.  It didn't take long to choose our favorite and make the arrangements for a long-term stay. 

There are lots of car rentals in Picton because most tourists leave their car or campervan in Wellington (or Picton) and pick up a new one on the opposite side.  There are also a number of interesting short walking tracks around the area.  We may rent some bicycles and explore a little further without a car.   I've recently discovered a number of sailing and small boat tours, a sea horse acquarium, and a "snorkeling with the seals" tour.  I hope the little furry creatures are friendly.

Sounds like a great place.  I'll let you know.