"All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full"
Ecclesiastes

Marlborough

Situated at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, Marlborough is endowed with a breath-taking beauty. Its mist-hazed hills and crystal clear waterways change dramatically with the ceaseless procession of the seasons.

Picton

Picton is nestled in a beautiful sea harbour in the pictureque Queen Charlotte Sounds. Access is gained by air or sea from the North Island or by air, road or rail from within the South Island. International Flights to New Zealand will end at Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington International Airport. Domestic Flights to Blenheim, just 30 minutes away from Picton, are regular from most main centres. Wellington also offers the opportunity to take a cruise on the Interislander Ferry which plies between Wellington and Picton several times per day. This is certainly a lovely way to be introduced to our magnificent area.

Climate

Picton boasts a temperate climate in the summer, and while the winter often sees frosty mornings, this is followed by lovely sunny days. There are four distinct seasons: a hot dry summer peaking in February, a cooler autumn, a clear and crisp winter and then a milder, moister spring. New Zealand homes have fires, heaters and electric blankets to make winter time a pleasant experience. Even in winter, Picton skies are blue and the warm clothes you put on in the morning will be too hot by lunchtime.

The sun is very strong in New Zealand and you will need to use a sun-screen to protect your skin. You can buy these from supermarkets or the pharmacy.

What can I do in Picton?

There is plenty to do apart from study here. The town is within walking distance of most residences and there is ample opportunity for tramping on the world renowned Queen Charlotte Walkway. There are also several walking tracks around the Picton area, and opportunities are available for water recreational activities such as kayaking and sailing.

Over the summer months Picton and the surrounding Queen Charlotte Sounds becomes very busy when the population burgeons from 4,000 to over 30,000 people. Picton is also on the cruise ship summer circuit and when they are in dock the shops are open until late. There are also other stalls available for the passengers and the town takes on a carnival-type atmosphere.

Picton has attracted a wide number of artists and craftsman to the area in recent years and there is now a gallery for their work to be shown. Picton also has a wide range of hobby and interest clubs available for willing participants. This includes embroidery, radio amateurs, oil and water colour groups, bridge, to name a few.

Picton is a small enough community to provide a caring safe environment for young people with few of the problems of pollution and overcrowding that occur in the bigger centres. Picton is also the gateway to the South Island, where an interisland ferry to and from Wellington connects the North Island with the South Island.