History

The site of Picton was originally occupied by the Maori Village (Pa) of Waitohi or Te Wera O Waitohi. The name Waitohi means Wai or water and Tohi – the Tohi ritual in which tohunga (Maori Priest) dipped Karamu branches in the sacred stream and brushed the right shoulder, of warriors before battle. This village existed for more than 300 years until in 1844, when Francis Dillon Bell and Sir George Grey (Then Govenor of New Zealand) of the New Zealand Company purchased the land and helped the local Maori re-locate their village (Pa) at Waikawa Bay.

The town was first surveyed in 1849 and the New Zealand Company called it Newton. For the next ten years the town was known by many names but in 1859 the Marlborough Province was created and the town was renamed Picton, after Sir Thomas Picton, the hero of Badajoz (area of battle), who fell at Waterloo.

Picton quickly became a vital link between the South and North Islands, with Wool, Grain, Fruits and Meat being shipped to the North Island, Australia and to as far afield as London.

Today, Picton is a very different destination and tourism has very much taken over in what is recognised as some of the worlds most stunning scenery. Picton has in recent years become a haven for boaties and land lovers alike.

QUICK INFO -Lying at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is perfectly positioned to offer the visitor easy access to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. With more than 1500km of unspoilt private beaches and coves,  bays and untouched native bush, crystal clear waterways and amazing scenery, the Marlborough Sounds have more or less remained unchanged since the days when Captain Cook sailed into totaranui aboard his Endeavour and renamed the Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound in 1770.

QUICK INFO- For those with an interest in History and those with children, who should be..Visit the Picton Maritime and Heritage Museum on Picton’s waterfront to discover more than 500 years of history, artifacts and early settler archives. Don’t be fooled by the museums stature…It’s packed with much, the staff are passionate about our History and it costs little. Well worth a visit!

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QUICK INFO -The Edwin Fox situated in dry dock at Dunbar Wharf in Picton is the world’s 9th oldest ship

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The Captain Cook Memorial at Ships Cove