Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOWNS & FACILITIES
TOP OF CHAPTER
Picton
03 / POP 4000
Half asleep in winter, but hyperactive in summer, boaty Picton clusters around a deep gulch
at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound. It's the main traveller port for the South Island, and
the best place from which to explore the Marlborough Sounds and tackle the Queen Char-
lotte Track. There's ample accommodation in Picton, including lots of low-budget options.
It's also a good spot for stocking up on provisions.
4
Sleeping & Eating
HOLIDAY PARK$
Picton Top 10 Holiday Park
( 03-573 7212, 0800 277 444;
www.pictontop10.co.nz;
70 Waikawa Rd; sites from $20, units $70-100;
)
About 500m from town, this compact, well-kept place has modern, crowd-pleasing
facilities, including a barbecue area, heated swimming pool and a recreation room.
HOSTEL$
Tombstone Backpackers
( 0800 573 7116, 03-573 7116;
www.tombstonebp.co.nz;
16 Gravesend Pl; dm $28, d with/without
bathroom $81/75; )
Rest in peace in hotel-worthy dorms, double rooms and a self-con-
tained apartment. Bonuses include free breakfast, a sunny reading room, a pool table, a
DVD library and free ferry pick-up and drop-off.
HOSTEL$
Villa
( 03-573 6598;
www.thevilla.co.nz;
34 Auckland St; dm $26-30, d with/without bathroom $76/67;
)
This bright backpackers has a blooming garden and sociable outdoor areas, and in-demand
en-suite rooms. A real home away from home, with fresh flowers and free apple crumble
(fruit supply permitting). Queen Charlotte Track bookings and camping gear for hire.
BAKERY$
Picton Village Bakkerij
(cnr Auckland & Dublin Sts; items $2-8; 6am-4pm)
Dutch owners bake trays of European
goodies here, including interesting breads, decent pies and filled rolls, cakes and custardy,
tarty treats. Be prepared to queue.
