Having arrived in Picton at sunset last night by ferry from from Wellington, we wanted see this area from a good vantage point. The locals recommended this route as the best around. We were all staying at the Sequoia Lodge Backpackers on Nelson Square in the centre of town. Picton is the point of entry into the South Island when using ferries from the North Island.

From the square we headed north east along Wairau Road branching right on Broadway Street. Continue north on High Street and swing right at the junction into Dublin Street (makes one feel at home!). Continue until you swing right into Newgate Street. Head up until the bend in the road. You will see a track heading up into the bush on the right hand side of the road.

Head up along the ridge enjoying the strange sounds, smells and vegetation. The bush is quite dense all along the route to the top and the racket from the cicadas in the trees can be deafening. There is a lovely lookout at the hill top. You can rest your weary muscles enjoying the views while sitting on the sturdy bench. There are stunning views north out over Marlborough Sound and south west towards Mount Pleasant.

Return down the southern slope, trough the bush, until you join up with Garden Terrace road. Head north west under the old railway trestle bridge. Continue down Devon Street and veer left into Oxford Street. Then just walk across the grass square and back to the start.