Last updated October 2026
The Picton to Waikawa Track is a shared walking and cycling track that links the Picton Marina with the Waikawa Marina, crossing the base of Victoria Domain between the two bays.
Marlborough District Council’s Picton brochure gives two routes: an easy one via Endeavour Park, 45 minutes and 3,525 m, and a higher moderate route of 50 minutes and 3,839 m, both one way. There are several entry and exit points along the way, so it also works as a walking route from town to the start of other Victoria Domain tracks, including the Snout Track.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check with Marlborough District Council for updates on Picton to Waikawa Track on the day you walk.
More from Marlborough District Council
Practical Information
- Start
- Picton Marina (ends at the Waikawa Marina)
- Distance from the city
- About 27 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- Via Endeavour Park 45 min; higher route 50 min (one way). About 90 to 100 min return.
- Track length
- 3,525 m via Endeavour Park; 3,839 m on the higher route
- Grade
- Easy via Endeavour Park; moderate on the higher route
- Track type
- Shared walking and cycling track
- Dogs
- No rule given for the track in the council’s walking guides; check the Dog Exercise Areas on the council’s Smart Maps
- Managed by
- Marlborough District Council
- Status
- Check Marlborough District Council’s alerts page before you go.
About Picton to Waikawa Track
Picton and Waikawa sit on neighbouring bays, separated by the ridge of Victoria Domain. This track joins the two marinas, giving walkers and riders a track between them.
The easier route goes via Endeavour Park. On the Picton walking and cycling brochure map it runs from the Picton side, passes the Port Marlborough Pavilion at Endeavour Park, where the map shows toilets, water and parking, and then follows the Waikawa Stream down towards Beach Road and the Waikawa Marina. The council grades this route easy.
The second route stays higher, crossing the slopes of Victoria Domain before meeting the stream route. It is a little longer and graded moderate. As both routes join the same two marinas, you can go out one way and come back the other.
At the Waikawa end, the map shows the marina and the Waikawa Bay foreshore, with picnic tables, a playground and toilets. Destination Marlborough puts the return walk at 90 minutes via Endeavour Park and 100 minutes on the steeper route.
Walking and Riding Together
Both routes are listed as shared tracks in the Picton walking and cycling brochure, and the Marlborough Walkers Guide describes it as a walking and mountain bike track.
The council’s guidance for shared paths is clear: walkers have priority, cyclists should slow to walking speed and let walkers know when they come up from behind, and everyone keeps left. Walkers in groups are asked to move left into single file when a cyclist approaches.
The Walkers Guide notes that some sections can be muddy when wet.
Linking to the Snout Track
On the brochure map, the higher route passes close to the Snout Track car park in Victoria Domain. Destination Marlborough lists the Picton to Waikawa Track as one of the ways to walk from Picton to the start of the Snout Track, which runs out to the Queen Charlotte View lookout and Snout Head. If you walk from town, allow at least 4 hours return for the Snout Track.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough District Council: Brilliant Picton brochure and map (PDF): both routes with grades, times and distances.
Marlborough District Council: Alerts: current track, reserve and road closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Picton to Waikawa Track start?
At the Picton Marina. It ends at the Waikawa Marina, and there are several entry and exit points along the way.
How long does it take?
The council gives 45 minutes one way via Endeavour Park and 50 minutes on the higher route. Allow 90 to 100 minutes return.
How hard is the Picton to Waikawa Track?
The route via Endeavour Park is graded easy. The higher route is moderate.
Can I cycle the track?
Yes. It is a shared walking and cycling track. Walkers have priority, so ride slowly near people on foot.
Can I take my dog?
The council’s walking guides don’t give a dog rule for this track. Check the Dog Exercise Areas on Marlborough District Council’s Smart Maps.
Can I reach the Snout Track from it?
Yes. Destination Marlborough lists it as one of the walking routes from Picton to the Snout Track.
Where can I check if the track is open?
Check Marlborough District Council’s alerts page before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track line and facts: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0). Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.