Picton centre for Sounds recreation

Press, 18 December 1986, Page 41

Picton centre for Sounds recreation

Picton is a popular Holiday resort in its own right and the principal centre for recreational activities in the Marlborough Sounds. This holiday season, for the first time, it will have its own information centre on the foreshore. The harbour is a natural deep-water port and provides the South Island connection for the inter-island rail-ferry service. The area is renowned for its placid waters for rowing and speedboat regattas, yachting, water ski-ing and for the many pleasant bays within easy reach by car and boat.

Launch companies offer scenic cruises and fishing excursions and the wellknown Marlborough Sounds mail runs. Water taxis are available for fast travel and a float plane service is based at the ferry terminal complex.

The main centre of holiday activity in Picton itself is the foreshore immediately in front of the central shopping area. There is an ample playground area and space for picnicking, swimming and entertainment.

Holiday attractions include mini golf, mini motor bikes, bumpa boats, model boats and railway, paddle boats and roller skating. More formal recreational activities available within easy reach include squash, tennis, bowls and golf.

Walks with views of bush and water include Bobbs Bay, Victoria Domain, Essons Valley, Newgate Street walk, and Lookout Point. Shelly Beach is a pleasant picnic spot with safe swimming. The Smith Memorial Museum on the foreshore displays relics of whaling activity in the Sounds and of the East Indiaman Edwin Fox. Other sections deal with items of Maori historical interest, early Picton and other collections of significance from the past.

The museum is the showpiece of the Picton Historical Society and is the product of thousands of hours of voluntary work by members and friends.

Boating holidaymakers are well served by facilities provided by the Marlborough Harbour Board.

First class- marinas are available in Picton Harbour, Waikawa Bay and in Havelock Harbour.

Picton is more than a departure point to explore the South Island. Enclosed and sheltered by hills at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, it has everything to offer the visitor, from relaxation in the sun to fishing and boating activity along 1000 km of coastline, bush walks, scenic drives, hunting and scuba diving. Picturesque views of Queen Charlotte Sound and Pelorus Sound are offered from many vantage points along Queen Charlotte Drive. The road passes round Shakespeare Bay to Ngakuta Bay and Momorangi Bay, favourite spots for water ski-ing, swimming and picnicking. A turn-off leads to the Anakiwi Outward Bound School, Portage and beyond.

The main road continues on through Linkwater to Havelock, gateway to the Pelorus, through Blenheim and back to Picton — a round trip of about three and a half hours casual driving.