Snout Track
Hike or bike the Snout Track for breathtaking views of Queen Charlotte Sound and the Marlborough Sounds. Accessible and rewarding for all.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Snout Track
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike or bike the Snout Track for breathtaking views of Queen Charlotte Sound and the Marlborough Sounds. Accessible and rewarding for all.
"Offering some of the best views in New Zealand, Snout Track is an easily accessible and fun hike for the whole family."
🚗 Parking is Limited
The car park at the Snout Track can be small; arrive early or be prepared for limited spaces. :car:
👟 Wear Sensible Shoes
The track can get slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for a safe walk. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Queen Charlotte Sound Lookout
Snout Track Summit
Panoramic views of the Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound. A must-see for any visitor.
Coathanger Bridge
Start of the track
An iconic bridge offering unique perspectives of the track and surrounding landscape.
Picton Harbour Trail
Along Picton Harbour
A scenic path with beautiful bay views, perfect for a leisurely stroll or run.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Snout Track Adventure
Essential Gear for Snout Track
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited
The car park at the Snout Track can be small; arrive early or be prepared for limited spaces. :car:
👟 Wear Sensible Shoes
The track can get slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for a safe walk. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated on your walk, especially during warmer months. :water_wave:
📸 Views from the Start
Even if you don't have time for the full walk, the view from the car park is excellent. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited
The car park at the Snout Track can be small; arrive early or be prepared for limited spaces. :car:
👟 Wear Sensible Shoes
The track can get slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for a safe walk. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated on your walk, especially during warmer months. :water_wave:
📸 Views from the Start
Even if you don't have time for the full walk, the view from the car park is excellent. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ One-Way Road Access
Access the Snout Track via Sussex Street; Google Maps might suggest a different route. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning views from the Snout Track, calling it a must-do for anyone visiting Picton. The accessibility and variety of walk lengths are appreciated, with many highlighting the excellent scenery even from the car park. Some note the parking can be limited and the track can get slippery after rain.
"Small ISH car park, spaces when we attended. Great walk from here along the ridge line to the lookout. Would 100% recommend but view from car park excellent even if no time for the walk!"
Georgie White
"Lovely walk. And this is worth it. If you are visiting Picton and have time.. do the nature walks. Take water, sensible shoes, and 5 your togs & towel! Good sport for NYE for all the fireworks too. Wheelchair accessible and seating at the top"
Gone bush
"Su h a nice walk with many nice viewpoints. You don't have to walk too much, 30min will be enough to have great view of the Queen Charlotte sound."
Mikael Besse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Snout Track is accessible via a dedicated car park. For the best route, enter via Sussex Street as the road is one-way. Some visitors also start from Picton town, adding extra time to their walk.
Yes, there is a car park, but it is described as 'small-ish' and can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, you can start the walk from Picton town, but this will add an extra 1-1.5 hours to your journey.
The track itself is for walking and cycling. The access road to the car park is a one-way street.
Ensure your GPS is set to the Snout Track car park and be aware that Google Maps may not always recognize the one-way system, potentially directing you to loop around.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Snout Track is a public walking track and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.
The Snout Track is generally accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor walking trail. However, it's best enjoyed during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
There is no admission fee to access the Snout Track. It's a free natural attraction for visitors to enjoy.
While there aren't typically official guided tours for the Snout Track itself, local tour operators in Picton may offer excursions that include this area.
The main restriction is to be mindful of the weather, as the track can become slippery. Always check local conditions before you go.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
A short walk of about 30 minutes is enough to get great views of Queen Charlotte Sound. The full loop can take longer, with some doing a 13km loop.
The Snout Track is generally considered an easy to moderate walk, suitable for families. Some sections have hills that can be challenging for some.
Yes, there are many nice viewpoints along the Snout Track, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without needing to complete the entire walk.
One review mentioned it being wheelchair accessible with seating at the top, but this may refer to specific sections or recent upgrades. It's advisable to check current accessibility information if this is a concern.
Yes, the Snout Track is also popular for mountain biking, offering beautiful views of the Marlborough Sounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The lookout points offering panoramic views of Queen Charlotte Sound are prime photography locations.
Late afternoon for golden hour light and sunset views is highly recommended. Sunrise can also offer stunning, serene shots.
Drone footage has been captured at the Snout Track, showcasing the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.
Expect breathtaking views of Queen Charlotte Sound, the Marlborough Sounds, coastal landscapes, and potentially marine life.
The main challenge can be the weather, as rain can make the track slippery and affect visibility.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Trail Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts
You can enjoy a vigorous run while taking in the beautiful vistas of Queen Charlotte Sound. +1 The accessibility from Picton makes it a convenient option for a quick workout with an incredible payoff. 📸 Photographers & Scenery Lovers
+1 Capture the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds and the dramatic coastal scenery. The Coathanger Bridge also provides unique angles for creative shots. Be prepared for changing weather, which can add dramatic flair to your images. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Snout Track: A Hiker's Guide
The trail varies in difficulty, with some sections being relatively flat and others featuring more challenging hills.
It's recommended to wear sensible shoes as the path can become slippery, particularly after rainfall. For those looking for a shorter experience, a 30-minute walk is often sufficient to capture the essence of the views.
The Coathanger Bridge is a notable feature near the start, offering unique photographic opportunities. Photography Opportunities at Snout Track
+2 These views are particularly stunning during the golden hour in the late afternoon, when the light casts a warm glow over the water and surrounding hills. Beyond the expansive soundscapes, the Coathanger Bridge provides a unique architectural element for your photos, offering a different perspective of the track and its environment.
Drone photography has also captured the beauty of the area, showcasing the vastness of the sounds from above. Remember to check local regulations if you plan to fly a drone. While the scenery is consistently beautiful, be prepared for variable weather. Rain can add a moody atmosphere to your shots, but it also means the track can be slippery, so prioritize safety.
Even on overcast days, the dramatic coastal scenery of the South Island offers compelling photographic subjects. Activities and Experiences on the Snout Track
Many visitors enjoy it as a trail running route, appreciating the scenic beauty as they exercise. Mountain biking is another favored activity here, with riders enjoying the picturesque trails that wind through the landscape.
The track also offers opportunities for picnicking with incredible views as your backdrop. The track is also noted for its accessibility, with one review mentioning it being wheelchair accessible with seating at the top, though this might be specific to certain sections.
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