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Picton
2.8 km
1 hour
42 metres
If you’ve just stepped off the Interislander ferry or arrived in Picton for a weekend getaway, you might be looking for that perfect "welcome to the Sounds" experience. You don’t need to commit to a multi-day trek to find it. The Lower Bobs Bay Track is a quintessential Marlborough Sounds walk that packs a surprising amount of variety into a relatively short 2.8km return journey.
Starting from the sunny sands of Shelly Beach, the trail feels like a secret passage. One moment you are near the vibrant town centre of Picton, and the next, you are swallowed by a lush, verdant tunnel of regenerating native forest. The transition is almost instantaneous. The track is an out-and-back route that skirts the edge of the harbour, offering an invigorating escape that smells of damp earth, salt spray, and crushed ferns.
While the total elevation gain is a modest 42 metres, don’t let the "easy" label on some maps fool you—it is officially classified as moderate. This is because the path is beautifully dynamic. It’s an undulating journey with several short, moderately steep sections that will get your heart rate up just enough to make that eventual view feel earned. The terrain is generally well-maintained, but it has a rugged, natural soul. You’ll find yourself traversing a path that hugs the coastline, occasionally climbing to give you a bird’s-eye view of the turquoise water before dipping back down into the cool shade of the canopy.
As you walk, the sounds of the town fade, replaced by the rhythm of your boots on the trail and the distant hum of a boat engine. This is a dedicated foot-traffic-only zone, so you won’t have to worry about mountain bikers whizzing past. It’s just you, the trees, and the shimmering Marlborough Sounds. It’s also a fantastic option for families; while it’s kid-friendly, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the little ones, as there are some steep bluffs along the track edge where the forest meets the sea.
The undeniable star of the show is Bobs Bay itself. This secluded, idyllic cove feels worlds away from the busy Picton marina. When you reach the end of the track, the forest opens up to reveal a tranquil haven with clear, calm waters. It’s the kind of place that practically begs you to kick off your shoes. The small beach is perfect for a picnic or a quick, refreshing swim if you’re visiting in the warmer months.
Parking is available at Shelly Beach, which serves as a primary access point for the track. Additional access points are available from the Picton Foreshore/CBD via Coathanger Bridge, Waikawa Road - Picton Marina, and the Victoria Domain Ridge Road via Harbour View-Bobs Bay Track.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Gallirallus australis
Flightless rail known for bold, inquisitive behaviour. Found mainly in the South Island and some offshore islands.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
Located within the Edit Picton Hotel, The Chartroom offers a relaxed dining experience with seasonal, locally inspired dishes and stunning views over the Marlborough Sounds. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Out and back
Another highlight is the unique perspective you get of the Interislander ferries. Watching these massive vessels glide silently through the narrow reaches of the Queen Charlotte Sound is a classic Marlborough experience. From the elevated vantage points along the track, you get a sense of scale that you just can't appreciate from the town wharf.
For the photographers among us, the contrast between the deep greens of the ponga (silver ferns) and the sparkling blue of the harbour provides endless opportunities. Keep an eye out for the "window" views—natural gaps in the foliage that perfectly frame the distant hills of the Sounds. These spots are ideal for a quick breather and a few snaps for the memory bank.
Accessing the Lower Bobs Bay Track is remarkably straightforward, making it a great "spur of the moment" adventure.
The primary trailhead is at Shelly Beach. If you’re driving, there is convenient parking available right there. However, if you are staying in Picton, the walk to the start is part of the fun. You can head over from the Picton Foreshore via the iconic Coathanger Bridge, a local landmark that offers great views of the marina.
Alternatively, you can follow Waikawa Road past the Picton Marina and connect to the track from there. For those who want a longer loop or a different perspective, the track can also be accessed from the Victoria Domain Ridge Road via the Harbour View-Bobs Bay Track, which drops you down to the bay from the ridgeline above.
The Marlborough Sounds are a haven for New Zealand’s unique birdlife, and the Lower Bobs Bay Track acts as a bustling corridor for our feathered friends. Because the track winds through regenerating native forest, you are almost guaranteed a musical accompaniment to your walk.
The most common companion is the Tūī. You’ll hear their complex, metallic whistles and bell-like notes long before you see their iridescent blue-black feathers and white throat tufts. Along with them, the Kōmako (Bellbird) adds to the chorus with its pure, melodic chime.
Keep a lookout for the friendly Pīwakawaka (Fantail). These tiny, energetic birds often flit around hikers, using the air currents you create to catch small insects. If you’re lucky, you might spot a Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) perched heavily on a branch, or hear the distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" of its wings as it flies overhead.
On the ground, keep an eye out for the cheeky Weka. These flightless birds are famously curious and may approach you if you stop for a snack—just remember not to feed them! Near the water’s edge, you might see the South Island Oystercatcher (Tōrea) with its bright orange beak probing the shoreline.
If you are walking during the spring or summer, keep your eyes peeled on the water. The tiny Kororā (Little Blue Penguin) occasionally frequents the bay. While they are shy and mostly active at sea during the day, lucky walkers sometimes spot them bobbing in the waves near the shore.
The Lower Bobs Bay Track is truly a year-round destination, but each season brings its own flavour:
The area around Picton, known to Māori as Waitohi, has a rich and storied history. This region was a vital hub for Māori long before European arrival, serving as a gateway between the North and South Islands. The hills you are walking through are part of the Victoria Domain, a significant area of public land that has been protected for generations.
The forest you see today is a testament to the resilience of the New Zealand landscape. Much of this land was cleared in the colonial era, but it is now beautifully "regenerating." This means the hardy pioneer species are making way for larger, long-lived trees, creating a sanctuary for biodiversity right on the edge of town.
Walking this track isn't just about exercise; it's about connecting with the natural heritage of the Marlborough Sounds. As you look out over the water, you are seeing the same drowned river valleys that have provided sustenance and travel routes for centuries.
Once you’ve made your way back to Shelly Beach and crossed the Coathanger Bridge, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Picton’s waterfront is lined with excellent spots to refuel:
Whether you're a local looking for your weekly nature fix or a visitor waiting for your ferry, the Lower Bobs Bay Track is a small but mighty adventure that captures the very best of Picton’s coastal charm.
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Eudyptula minor
These are the world's smallest penguins, known for their unique slate-blue feathers that help them camouflage in the ocean.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Haematopus finschi
This striking shorebird has a long, bright orange bill and legs, which it uses to probe for shellfish and worms in the mudflats.
Best time: Year-round
700m away
A relaxed waterfront cafe and bar with deck seating, Seabreeze offers all-day breakfast and an abundance of fresh seafood options, including highly-praised chowder and local oysters. Enjoy stunning harbour views.
800m away
A long-standing Picton favourite, Le Café is a waterfront restaurant, bar, and live music venue known for its green-lipped mussels, fresh fish, and friendly service. It offers a relaxed ambiance with unsurpassed views.
900m away
Situated in the heart of Picton, Oxley's offers a classic Kiwi welcome with hearty meals, good drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a great spot for a casual meal or evening drinks.