🏞️ Picton - A Hidden Gem for Outdoor Enthusiasts

For many travelers, Picton is just a ferry port connecting New Zealand's North and South Islands. But for locals who love hiking and cycling, it's the gateway to one of NZ's most famous trails—the Queen Charlotte Track! 📍 My Quick Adventure: With limited time, I hiked 10km round-trip near Anakiwa (the track's starting point). Barely scratched the surface—definitely saving the full trek for next time! 🚗 Scenic Drive Highlights: Took the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Drive, winding along Marlborough Sounds. Stopped at Cullen Point Lookout—the views were unreal! 🌊 Looped back via Havelock, soaking in rolling farmlands (a nice contrast to mountain lakes). 💡 My NZ/AU Road Trip Wisdom: Want real depth and beauty? Renting a car is a MUST outside major cities. #NewZealand #HikingNZ #QueenCharlotteTrack #RoadTrip #MarlboroughSounds