Search for car rental Picton

Pick up a rental car from Picton Ferry Terminal and explore

Pretty Picton sits on the shore of the gorgeous Queen Charlotte Sound. The town is small but bustling due to its ferry terminal. Vehicular ferries regularly depart or arrive to and from Wellington in the North Island. Visitors enjoy the cafe culture, watersports, waterfront area, and the iconic miniature train and model boat pond in the town centre.

Picton car rental locations

Most rental car suppliers in Picton have counters in the Interislander ferry terminal, making it easy for passengers to arrive by boat and continue by car. The ferry terminal building is located on Lagoon Road, just two minutes’ drive from central Picton.

Start planning your Picton car rental adventure

With a rental car from the Picton ferry terminal, the South Island is your oyster. The stunning Marlborough Sounds and associated wine region are a great place to start. Take your hire car to Nelson and the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park. Or head to the West Coast to go gold mining in Greymouth. Beyond that, it’s mountain scenery, braided rivers, and glacial lakes all the way down to world-famous Queenstown. There’s no end to the adventures—and they all start when you pick up a Picton car rental.

Guide to driving in Picton and beyond

Staying safe on the roads in New Zealand is the most important aspect of ensuring your journey is memorable, exciting, and intrepid. Arming yourself with knowledge makes it more likely that you’ll enjoy smooth sailing —well, smooth driving—so take a look at our tips and do some research of your own.

• Always drive on the left-hand side of the road, with oncoming traffic passing to your right. Cars in New Zealand (with very rare, imported exceptions) have the driver positioned on the right-hand side of the vehicle.

• Distances are posted in kilometres on all signs. Speed limit signs are in kilometres per hour.

• Default speed limits across New Zealand are set at 50 kph in built-up areas and 100 kph on open roads. There are many, many exceptions to this rule and a wide array of limits. Always look for posted signs as these are the source of accurate information regarding speed limits.

• Many sections of road in the South Island are windy and steep. Always take extra care, especially if it is wet or snowy. Brake before corners and stay in your lane around blind corners.

• Be aware of the possibility of wildlife on the roads. In bush or forested areas, possums are commonly found on the road at night. In rural areas, you may encounter cows or sheep crossing.

• The blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers aged 20 and over is 0.05%. For those aged under 20, it is 0.

Destination ideas from Picton

Due to its position at the top of the South Island and the terminus of the ferry crossings, Picton is a natural starting point for a road trip. If you’re making a one-way trip from top to bottom or looping around the island, there are many fantastic cities and towns to call into along the way. Popular destinations to take your rental car include Blenheim, Christchurch, and Hokitika. Of course, the capital city of Wellington is just a few hours away via ferry.

If you’re looking for places to put on your itinerary closer to Picton itself, take a look at the ideas we’ve collected below as a starting point.

Queen Charlotte Track

This spectacular walking trail can be enjoyed in full or in part from various spots near Picton, some of which are accessible by road. It has amazing views over the Marlborough Sounds and takes 3-5 for the full experience. If hiking is your thing, don’t pass by this opportunity while you’re in Picton.

Wineries

The wineries of the Marlborough regions are easily accessible from Picton, and they range from famous names such as Cloudy Bay or Brancott Estate to small boutique vineyards like Bladen Hand-Crafted Wines or Fromm. Always designate a sober driver or join a guided tour.

Governor’s Bay

If the beach is what you want, make the short drive to beautiful Governor’s Bay on the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. This spot is perfect for a picnic, a swim, and some time spent enjoying the beauty of the Sounds.

Havelock

The charming historical town of Havelock is at the head of Pelorus Sound and just 45 minutes’ drive from Picton ferry terminal. It’s known as the “Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World”, a lofty title for a small village—so check out the seafood available as well as the gold mining history, boutiques, galleries, and lovely scenery.