When I think of port towns, my mind gravitates toward images of feculent water and grimy sea towns rather than say, Portofino. How pleasantly surprised I was to arrive in Picton after the stomach-wrenching ferry ride across the Cook Straight. Picton’s portside park is, as you can see, intensely beautiful with manicured lawns, flowering everything, and a smattering of charming coffee shops and cafes alongside.

We passed through Picton twice — coming and going between North and South Islands. We didn’t even mind when our ferry was delayed there for a few hours. We simply spread out on the immaculate greens and watched the moonlight tickle the water, burying our noses in a blanket to keep the chill at bay. You call this a layover?

Lunch at Cortado Restaurant, Bar & Cafe

Photography by Jessica Peterson