Compare Deals and Book a Cheap Car Rental in Picton 

Are you looking for a cheap car hire in Picton? VroomVroomVroom can help you find a reliable yet affordable rental car by comparing vehicles from major suppliers including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty. 

Picton is located at the top of the South Island, and is the departure point for the Cook Strait Ferry service. It is the service town for the Marlborough Sounds, and gateway to the Queen Charlotte Sound. Boats are the life-blood of the town, and with one-fifth of New Zealand's coastline on its doorsteps, there are plenty of beautiful places to visit on a trip from Picton's waterfront jetties.

Reasons to book a rental car in Picton with us

Getting the best deal on car hire doesn't need to be a time consuming task. VroomVroomVroom can make a booking a car rental in Picton easy. Here are a few reasons to consider booking with us:

• Customer care: Our dedicated customer care team will be happy to assist you with renting a car in Picton. You can contact us via phone, email or live chat. 
• Affordable rates: We compare car rentals from top suppliers such as Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz and Avis. 
• Simple booking process: VroomVroomVroom makes booking a car hire in Picton easy. Fill in the search box and you will see all available vehicles listed for easy comparison. Once you reserve your car you will receive a confirmation from us and you will be all set to go. 

Best time to visit Picton

Driving tips in Picton

We've put all the info you might need on Cook Strait Ferry travel in one place. As vehicles aren't insured on the ferry, companies will ask you to leave your vehicle in Picton, and fix you up with a replacement when you get to Wellington. They may consider this 'continuous hire' and let you have both cars under one-contract. Our expert customer care team can answer any questions on this and recommend the most affordable deal for your trip.

Gateway to the South Island and heart of the sounds

Kick start your South Island holiday in comfort by getting a car rental in Picton. With a car hire, you can explore the wonderful scenery that the town and the rest of the South Island has to offer. The unspoilt beauty of the Marlborough Sounds is right on the doorstep of Picton, and the wine country of Blenheim is just up the road! Fun fact: with both the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sound as neighbours, Picton has access to one-fifth of New Zealand's coastline. Getting on the water from Picton is very special, the ocean is crystal clear and home to more than five species of dolphin. 

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Things to Do

Wilderness Guides - Queen Charlotte Track

Address: The Waterfront, PO Box 610, Corner London Quay & Wellington Street

The Queen Charlotte Track is a unique experience which combines coastal views, the mystique of the Marlborough Sounds, and native bush. You can explore the track by walking, biking or cruising, with your pack transferred to each night's accommodation. Traversing the track can take between 1 and 5 days. Before you begin your adventure, it is best to seek assistance from Wilderness Guides.  Their Queen Charlotte Track specialists can arrange guided walking and hiking packages that will suit your budget.

New Zealand Walks

If you are searching for the best walking tracks around Picton, then professional hikers Steve and Juliet Gibbons of New Zealand Walks can help you with that. The Kiwi hikers have been providing guided as well as independent walking tours in South Island for more than 15 years. Their experience and knowledge is guaranteed to  make your adventure memorable. Whether you are exploring Queen  Charlotte Track or strolling along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, you know you are in good hands when you've been guided by New Zealand Walks.

EcoWorld Picton Aquarium

Address: 1 Auckland Street, Picton Foreshore

Have you ever wanted to pet a penguin? This is possible when you visit EcoWorld where you can get up close with adorable Little Blue penguins and other amazing animals such as the ancient tuatara, red eared turtles, and red crowned kakariki. You can also see different species of fish in their main marina tank. EcoWorld's knowledgeable and friendly staff are ready to give you an intimate and memorable experience.

E-Ko Tours

 Address: Picton Forshore, PO Box 197

For the ultimate wildlife, wilderness, and water adventure, make sure to get in touch with E-Ko Tours, which was formerly known as Dolphin Watch & Nature Tours. They offer tours that would get you closer to the wildlife and enjoy the picturesque views via scenic cruise. Their highly-experienced guides and skippers always do their best to provide best views of dolphins as well as fur seals and seabirds. If you are lucky, you may even see the largest dolphin species called orca or also known as the killer whale.  

Interislander Ferry 

Being home to the ferry terminal means that Picton is the gateway for inter-island travel in New Zealand. The ferry between the two islands will carry passengers and vehicles, and is considered one of the world's great scenic water crossings. As hire cars are not insured when travelling on ferries, your car rental company will ask you to leave your car on one side of Cook Strait, and arrange a replacement car after the crossing. So relax and enjoy the cruise, with a break from driving and a chance to enjoy the scenery. 

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Places to Stay

Bay Vista Waterfront Motel

Address: 303 - 307 Waikawa Road, Picton

Enjoy spectacular waterfront location at Bay Vista, which is located in Waikawa Bay and just 5 minutes away via car hire from the Picton/Wellington ferry terminal. The town centre is also nearby thus making it easier to explore other attractions. There are several accommodation options to choose – ranging from one bedroom units to four bedroom apartments. This motel is the perfect refuge from exploring the Queen Charlotte Track and Marlborough Sounds.

Harbour View Motel Picton

Address: 30 Waikawa Road, Picton 7250

Stay close to the beautiful Picton Harbour when you book your accommodation at Harbour View. The motel is just a stone's throw away from the Picton village and a great selection of restaurants and cafés. All of their studios and apartments offer breathtaking views of the harbour, marina, and the spectacular landscape. If you prefer more privacy, you can stay at their off-site waterfront apartment which is situated beside the Irish pub and has fantastic views of the Queen Charlotte Sound. 

Lochmara Lodge (Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre)

Address: Lochmara Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound (Accessible Via Boat Ride)

With such a long name you would expect big things here.  If you're a nature lover, you'll find this accommodation location that extra bit special. The centre allows visitors to interact with bird species and geckos and be inspired by the fauna and flower species located in the Marlborough Sounds. Its the perfect holiday retreat location.

Jugglers Rest Backpackers

Address: 8 Canterbury Street

This renovated historic villa is the town's smallest hostel offering beds for only 16 people. With its central location, it's an easy 10 min. stroll or 3 min. drive to town. Priding itself on an atmosphere which can't be beaten, you'll see why it has a 99% positive review rate.  The Huffington Post featured it as one of the 12 most awesome hostels in the world. Worth seeing what all the fuss is about. But get in quick.

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Places to Eat

Picton Village Bakkerij

Address: 46 Auckland St

This award-winning bakery is owned by a Dutchman and his Kiwi wife, and with their home based knowledge have created the best reputable artisan breads, tasty sweets, satisfying savouries, healthy filled rolls and delectable, filling meat pies. It has everything that is expected to be found at a bakery, only better!

Hours:
Monday to Friday, 6.00am - 4.00pm
Saturday to Sunday, 6.00am - 3.30pm

Le Cafe Restaurant

Address: Waterfront, 12-14 London Quay

Using the best of seasonal and local produce, you'll have the finest quality for your money at this cute cafe. Not only does it offer good food with a spectacular view, you'll be delighted with live music performances to make your experience that extra bit special.

Hours
Monday to Sunday, 7:30 am - 1:45 am

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