Port Marlborough

Port Marlborough The Port of Picton is one of the busiest ports in New Zealand with over 3,000 large vessel movements annually. The main cargo handled is export logs.

Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited is based at Picton and operates diverse port and marina facilities in the Marlborough Sounds. Picton is the South Island terminal port for New Zealand's inter-island passenger and freight ferries. The Port is naturally deep and Waimahara Wharf at Shakespeare Bay can accommodate cargo vessels up to 13.5m draft and cruise ships up to 320m long. The port of Picton

is located in the Queen Charlotte Sound and is accessible via two gateways: The Northern Entrance (approx. 19 nautical miles to Picton) and Tory Channel (approx. 18 nautical miles to Picton). Both of these entrances are located in the Cook Strait. Picton Coordinates: 41°17’4S 174°00’5E

The Port of Picton is one of the busiest ports in New Zealand with over 7,500 large vessel movements annually. The majority of movements are by the roll on-roll-off ferries which provide the Cook Strait link to Wellington. Inter-island ferry operators Interislander and Bluebridge carry more than one million passengers per year. All road and rail freight between the North and South Islands travels through Picton via the inter-island ferries. A deep-water berth at Waimahara Wharf in Shakespeare Bay services bulk cargo. Waimahara Wharf is also used by cruise ships greater than 245m long. A significant component of Port Marlborough’s business is the provision of facilities for tourism and leisure industry operators. Picton hosts a number of cruise ship visits each summer and both Picton and Havelock provide bases for a growing number of tourism and adventure-tourism operators. The company is the second largest marina operator in New Zealand with marinas in Waikawa, Picton and Havelock that together comprise in excess of 1,000 berths and accommodate more than 400 additional vessels in boat sheds and storage compounds. Smaller facilities in Picton, Havelock, Elaine Bay and Oyster Bay service fishing fleets, marine farmers and barge operators as well as providing transport routes for the communities of the Marlborough Sounds. Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited has three subsidiaries: Waikawa Marina Trustee Limited and PMNZ Marina Holdings Limited which were established to facilitate the sale of long-term berth entitlements in the Waikawa Marina extension, and Port Marlborough NZ Ltd. Marine Services which provides pilotage and towage services.

Calling all youth! Port Marlborough is proud to support the Future of Work event this year held on 10 June. Created to s...
19/05/2026

Calling all youth! Port Marlborough is proud to support the Future of Work event this year held on 10 June. Created to showcase career options for our local rangatahi, come along and see local industry showcasing the career pathways available in Marlborough and beyond. From maritime and logistics, to engineering, tourism, technology, environmental management and more, there are so many exciting careers to explore.

We know investing in young people is important for the long-term success of our region, we currently have SEVEN cadets and apprentices across the port and marinas, across a range of disciplines including marinas, maritime and engineering.

We’re looking forward to joining everyone on the day to encourage conversations, curiosity and future thinking. If you’re a young person thinking about what comes next, make sure you check it out!

Marlborough Chamber of Commerce | Marlborough District Council | Queen Charlotte College, Picton New Zealand

13/05/2026
We are on the lookout for a superstar part-time cleaner here at the port! The role is a part-time, permanent role based ...
05/05/2026

We are on the lookout for a superstar part-time cleaner here at the port! The role is a part-time, permanent role based in Picton, helping keep our port and marinas clean, safe and welcoming. Minimum 20 hours per week, with extra hours available.

If you’re local, reliable and take pride in your work, we’d love to hear from you! 🧹🧼🫧

Our people drive success for Marlborough, across a diverse range of our region’s signature industries including fishing, marine farming, domestic and international tourism including cruise, Cook Strait ferries, forestry export, and recreational boating. Our team is made up of a wide range of speci...

It was an absolute pleasure to host members of Marlborough Chamber of Commerce through the port last month. We always en...
04/05/2026

It was an absolute pleasure to host members of Marlborough Chamber of Commerce through the port last month. We always enjoy the chance to bring people through the port for a closer look at what happens beyond the gates each day. From busy marine operations to the work underway with projects to support future growth. It was also a good opportunity to outline how Port Marlborough is delivering on strategy and supporting the key industries that keep Marlborough moving.
Thanks again to those who joined us and for the strong interest throughout the visit! 🛳️

Congrats to New Zealand King Salmon on the arrival of New Zealand's first wellboat! 🛳️The Ronja King arrived into Port M...
28/04/2026

Congrats to New Zealand King Salmon on the arrival of New Zealand's first wellboat! 🛳️The Ronja King arrived into Port Marlborough from Norway 🇳🇴 this morning, and in the coming weeks, it will transition into service, supporting aquaculture operations across the Marlborough Sounds and, in time, activity at the Blue Endeavour open ocean farm. More here 🔽

We had a great turnout in Waitohi Picton earlier this month to welcome our newest tug, Kaiaua, to the Port Marlborough f...
17/04/2026

We had a great turnout in Waitohi Picton earlier this month to welcome our newest tug, Kaiaua, to the Port Marlborough fleet.

It was a special morning with waiata from Picton School . Te Kura o Waitohi students, kōrero from Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-A-Māui Trust, the story of her build from ship builders Damen and the chance for our community and industry partners to see Kaiaua out on the water.

Together with her sister ship Kaiana, Kaiaua represents a significant investment in keeping our harbour safe and supporting the ships that connect Marlborough to the rest of New Zealand and the world.

Keep an eye out for Kaiaua over the coming weeks as she begins work in the harbour! More here: https://portmarlborough.co.nz/news-kaiaua-officially-welcomed-to-port-marlborough-fleet/

Marlborough New Zealand | Picton Business Group | Marlborough Chamber of Commerce | Marlborough District Council | The Marlborough Cruise Guide

17/04/2026

- Have your say on the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment -

Councillors have today voted to move forward to public consultation on whether to finance Port Marlborough’s share of the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project.

Under the proposal, Council would borrow $110 million through the Local Government Funding Agency at a favourable rate, to on-lend to Port Marlborough to pay for its share of the ferry infrastructure. The funding would make up part of the $1.867B Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme to enable the larger ships arriving in 2029.

The loan would be repaid in full with interest, from the Port’s operating revenue, with estimated annual dividends to benefit Marlborough residents. This proposed loan would be at no cost to ratepayers.

Key dates and details:

🗓 Submissions open 17 April – 19 May
📍 Public meetings: 13 May (Picton) & 14 May (Blenheim)
🔈 Submitters can also choose to speak at hearings scheduled for 20 and 21 May
🔗 Full story here: links.marlborough.govt.nz/Ferry-MediaRelease
📨 Make a submission at links.marlborough.govt.nz/haveyoursay
❓Queries: [email protected]

Background:
Marlborough has fought for many years to keep the ferries in Picton.

Public consultation was undertaken in 2021/2022 to finance Port Marlborough’s contribution (also $110 million) towards the previous ferry redevelopment programme, which was later stopped by the Government in order to progress a revised approach.

Port Marlborough has now successfully negotiated a 60-year commercial agreement to cement Picton’s role in the Cook Strait crossing. Under the Local Government Act, Council is required to consult the public once again. This consultation will help to determine how the redevelopment is funded. The Picton redevelopment is estimated at $531 million of the $1.867 billion Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme. Port Marlborough’s share of $110M would be capped, with the Government funding the remaining costs in Picton.

We’re proud to support the Future of Work Marlborough conference again this year, a great initiative helping Marlborough...
13/04/2026

We’re proud to support the Future of Work Marlborough conference again this year, a great initiative helping Marlborough’s young people explore what’s ahead and connect with real career pathways.

Coming up this year on the 10th of June, the conference brings together students, industry, and education providers to showcase the wide range of opportunities available to them. At Port Marlborough, we see first-hand how important it is to grow and support our regional workforce. Through our cadetships, apprenticeships, and partnerships with industry, we’re committed to creating opportunities for people to build meaningful careers right here in Marlborough. Our team will be there this year with our interactive displays about careers in the port industry – and we are looking forward to seeing the next generation getting stuck in and discovering their future! For more information see below 👇🏼 👀
Marlborough Chamber of Commerce | Marlborough District Council

Not sure what’s next after school? Come check out Future of Work!

Bring your whānau along and explore study, training, and career options — all in one place. From uni to trades to local jobs, there’s something for everyone.

Chat with universities and 40+ industries, ask questions, and get inspired about your future.

📍Marlborough Events Centre
🎟 Free entry
🎁 Prizes up for grabs

It's official - the 2025-2026 Cruise season has now come to a close, with the departure of Norwegian Spirit today. A hug...
07/04/2026

It's official - the 2025-2026 Cruise season has now come to a close, with the departure of Norwegian Spirit today. A huge thank you to our local businesses, tour operators, bus drivers and cellar doors who helped showcase the best of our region to over 86,000 passengers and crew since November! Special thanks go to the Picton Flower Ladies for their warm welcomes, the Picton Lions Club for bringing Picton's Town Wharf markets to life, and to everyone involved! 🚌🍇📸

We also want to acknowledge our port teams, on the water and on the wharf, who work from dawn to dark each year to make each cruise visit run safely and smoothly. It takes a collective effort to deliver the brilliant passenger experience that Marlborough is known for, and this year everyone really brought their best!

We look forward to doing it all again from October 2026 🚢 more reading here:

https://portmarlborough.co.nz/media-release-marlborough-wraps-up-cruise-season-with-strong-community-support/

Marlborough New Zealand | Marlborough District Council | Picton Business Group | Marlborough Chamber of Commerce

01/04/2026

The new Westshore Warehouse in Waitohi Picton has been officially opened ⚓🦀🦀🐟🐟

Address

14 Auckland Street
Picton
7220

Telephone

+6435203399

Website

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