Picton

• 27km from Blenheim
• 139km from Nelson
• 336km from Christchurch

Picton is much smaller & sleepier than you might expect, population 3600. You can walk almost anywhere in town. The Visitor Centre is excellent, likely your first stop on arrival. It is on the parking lot for the main Ferry Terminal.

It is easy to get to Picton as it is the port for the ferry to the North Island. No need to book transport. You can get to Picton by bus, shuttle bus, Coastal Pacific train from Christchurch or on the ferry from Wellington.

Secure parking is available at the Ferry terminal.

Water Transportation to the Trailhead

Most hikers access the Track by water:

• Arrow Water Taxis
• Cougar Line
• Endeavour Express
• Beachcomber Cruises
• West Bay
• other options are available

Many boats will carry a mountain bike or kayak for you. A few have toilets. A few have tourist commentary though it may be difficult to hear over the noise of the motor.

Cougar and Endeavour are the most often used by trampers; both cost about the same (NZ$58 in 2002) for the standard service:

This is good value and extremely convenient. But there are many other options, some cheaper. Ask when you get to Tourist Information in Picton. Water taxis will take you most anywhere in the Sounds but tour boat operators may agree to do the same thing for you — charging less than the water taxis.

Shuttle Bus Transportation

You can access the Track without taking a boat. If interested check possible land transport when you get to Picton:

• Waka Whenua Tours <e-mail> Ph/fax (03) 573 7877
• Sounds Connection to Anakiwa
• Rural Mail Run to Anakiwa