The best walks and hikes around Picton

Yes, there are over 160 hiking routes to explore in the Picton area. These range from short, easy coastal walks to more challenging multi-day treks, with the majority being easy or moderate trails suitable for most fitness levels.

The trails around Picton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning views over Queen Charlotte Sound and the well-maintained paths through lush native bush.

Absolutely. The area around Essons Valley offers lovely, gentle walks through native forest to historic dams, which are great for families. Another excellent option is the Bob's Bay Track, a short but scenic walk from the marina to a secluded beach.

Many trails around Picton are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. The Snout Track is a popular choice for dog walkers, offering various paths with beautiful harbour views. However, dogs are generally not permitted on tracks within national parks or wildlife sanctuaries like the Queen Charlotte Track or Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, so always check local signage.

For some of the best panoramic views, the Tirohanga Track is a local favorite. It's a steep but rewarding climb that leads to a viewpoint with sweeping vistas of Picton, Waikawa Bay, and Queen Charlotte Sound. The return trip takes about 90 minutes.

Yes, you can create a pleasant loop walk by combining the upper and lower Bob's Bay tracks. For a longer option, the Yarm Castle – Yarm Bridge loop from Yarm offers a substantial walk that can be adapted to explore different sections of the local trail network, creating a satisfying circular route.

A great option for a day hike of this length is the Picton to Waikawa Track and continuing along The Link Pathway. This combination provides excellent views as it connects the two marinas and then takes you through the scenic reserve of Whenuanui Bay.

The premier multi-day hike is the famous Queen Charlotte Track. While the full track is 73.5 km, you can tackle it in sections. A challenging single-day or overnight section could be a route like this long-distance trail, using water taxis to access different start and end points.

Yes, using a water taxi is a popular way to experience the Queen Charlotte Track in a single day. You can get dropped off at a point like Ship Cove and walk a section to Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove, where you can be picked up later. This allows you to enjoy the spectacular scenery without committing to the full multi-day trek.

While the region is more known for its coastal views, you can find serene water features on some trails. The Humphries Dam and Barnes Dam Tracks in Esson's Valley follow a rushing stream up to the reservoirs, offering the peaceful sounds of flowing water and a small waterfall on the river.

There is a dedicated car park for the trail, the Snout Track Car Park, located at the end of Victoria Domain Road. From there, you can easily access the trailheads for the various walks around the Snout peninsula and to Queen Charlotte View.

Many trails, like the Tirohanga Track and the Picton-Waikawa walkway, are accessible on foot directly from the town centre. For trails further afield, especially along the Queen Charlotte Track, the primary mode of transport is the network of water taxis that depart from the Picton waterfront. These can drop you off and pick you up from various bays and jetties.