Last updated November 2026
A display of tools, photographs and equipment tells the story of whaling in Cook Strait at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum. The museum stands at 9 London Quay on the Picton foreshore, looking out over Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, on the site of the original Waitohi Pā.
Alongside the whaling story you can see Māori artefacts, material on the settlers who came to Picton, maritime displays about the Sounds, items from Picton Hospital and inventions made by local people. It opens six days a week and is closed on Mondays. Members of the Picton Historical Society get a free annual pass and the use of its research library.
Practical Information
- Address
- 9 London Quay, Picton
- Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm (closed Monday)
- Entry
- Charged (children under 13 free); see the museum’s Visit Us page for prices
- Parking
- Car park on the foreshore in front of the playground, with four hours of free parking
- Affiliation
- Museums Aotearoa
- Phone
- 03 573 8283
- Status
- Check the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum website before you go.
About Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum
The museum occupies ground with a much longer history than the building itself: Destination Marlborough and Volunteer Marlborough both describe it as standing on the site of the original Waitohi Pā. From the foreshore it overlooks Memorial Park and the water of Queen Charlotte Sound.
Its stated aim is to preserve the heritage of Picton and the Sounds. Much of that heritage is told through local families, and the collection is noted for its local and family histories, so the story of European settlement comes through the eyes of the people who lived here.
The museum is affiliated with Museums Aotearoa. It is linked with the Picton Historical Society, whose members get year-round entry and use of the research library, and it takes on volunteers for tasks such as the weekend front desk, research and administration. Membership fees go towards running and maintaining the museum.
What to See
The whaling display
Whaling gives the museum part of its name. The display covers the history of whaling in Cook Strait with tools, photographs and equipment, and Destination Marlborough describes it as giving a real sense of how harsh and tough the whalers’ work was.
Māori and settler history
Māori artefacts help tell the story of early Māori in the area. Other displays follow the arrival of settlers in Picton and the families who made their lives here.
Maritime and town life
Further displays deal with maritime activity in the Marlborough Sounds. There are also pieces from the original Picton Hospital and a collection of inventions made by local people. A changing section, “New to the Museum”, shows local history items recently given to the collection.
Visiting the Museum
The museum is within walking distance of the Picton i-SITE. Schools, clubs and interest groups can book tours by contacting the museum, and the museum also takes research requests through its website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum?
At 9 London Quay on the Picton foreshore, overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound and Memorial Park.
When is the museum open?
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Is there an entry charge?
Yes, although children under 13 get in free. The museum lists its prices on its Visit Us page.
What is in the whaling display?
Tools, photographs and equipment that tell the history of whaling in Cook Strait.
What else does the museum cover?
Māori artefacts, the arrival of settlers in Picton, maritime activity in the Sounds, items from Picton Hospital and local inventions.
What was on the site before the museum?
The museum stands on the site of the original Waitohi Pā.
Is there parking?
Yes. The museum points visitors to a car park on the foreshore, in front of the playground, with four hours of free parking.
Can I use the research library?
Members of the Picton Historical Society can use it. The museum also takes research requests through its website.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum: Visit Us: opening hours, entry prices, parking and what the displays cover.
- Destination Marlborough: Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum: the regional tourism listing, with a summary of the collections.