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You will see
- Cafe/restaurant available
- Explore native flora and fauna on tracks and trails
- Free use of kayaks and paddle boards.
- Marlborough Sounds scenery
- Underwater observatory marine wildlife in its natural habitat
- View art around the property
- View farm animals and wildlife
From Cruise Port: Picton
Lochmara is a very popular destination in the Marlborough Sounds for all guests, whether solo, couples, or families. So come and visit us so you can understand why Lochmara is so popular!
Lochmara is a maximum 30-minute cruise from Picton and is nestled in the heart of the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sounds, offering an unforgettable New Zealand experience. On your cruise here you will witness stunning scenery and potential sightings of dolphins, seals, native seabirds, and maybe even the New Zealand Little Blue Penguin.
On arrival at Lochmara, you will be greeted by your friendly qualified guide who will accompany you to the Lochmara stationary Underwater Observatory. You will experience the seaside touch tank, containing an array of New Zealands smaller marine sea creatures, before leading you inside our spectacular underwater observatory, one of two in New Zealand. Inside the Underwater Observatory you will witness unhindered views of our marine life, all without getting wet! Please note what you see will depend on the time of year and the presence of predators. This is an experience unlike any other.
You can then choose to spend your remaining time exploring stunning natural landscapes and farmland and get up close and personal with wildlife in its natural habitat such as our native Kkriki parakeet, pigs, Arapawa goats, sheep, native eels, geckos and occasionally Tuatara are here too just to name a few. Walk the art and nature trails around our 11 acres of paradise, or you can choose to explore our more of our ocean life by heading out on the paddle boards and kayaks to explore the bay. Here at Lochmara we celebrate Aotearoas natural landscape and all it stands for.
Our onsite caf enables you to enjoy unique cocktails, locally brewed beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Delight in the taste of our cuisine, its simple, rustic, and full of flavour, using ingredients that truly give our guests a taste of this beautiful environment, the Marlborough Sounds.
While there is truly something for everyone at Lochmara, you can simply do as much or as little as you like when you visit, including just sitting back and relaxing with a good book to soak in the serenity if you prefer.
From Cruise Port: Picton
Included
- Access to the onsite cafe (refreshments at your cost).
- Access to the retail shop located in the Picton office and the Lochmara onsite reception (purchases at your cost).
- Beach towel use from reception on request.
- Guided tour of the Underwater Observatory, including a Lochmara map.
- If time permits, use the paddle boards and Kayaks.
- Lochmara return water taxi 20-30-minute cruise .
- Observe the artwork.
- Observe the natural flora and fauna as you walk through Lochmara s grounds.
Not Included
- Items from the retail shop located in the Picton office and at the Lochmara onsite reception.
- Meals or refreshments
- Snorkeling equipment.
- Walking shoes and swimwear
Instructions
- Allow a 10-minute walk from the Picton Information Centre to make your Lochmara check-in time.
- Check in to our Picton office 30 minutes before your departure time. The office is on the Picton town wharf next to the coat hanger footbridge.
- If you do not arrive in time for your scheduled tour departure, you will be rescheduled on the next available trip. The water taxi does not wait for late arrivals.
- Please bring weather appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sunscreen and hat, and flat closed toe comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the 11 acres.
- Tour duration approximately 2.75 hours
- Variations to your Lochmara experience will reflect cruise ship delays or disembark wait times.
Restrictions
- Children's buggy/pushchairs can only be used in certain areas of Lochmara, we recommend front or back packs.
- Lochmara does not have full accessibility.
- Moderate fitness levels required and there are some uneven surfaces.
- Please note access to the Underwater Observatory does include steep boat stairs.
Options
- If you would like to skip the underwater observatory tour, and self-guide your time at Lochmara, please book our PIC-20 tour.
Standard Tour Schedule Options | ||
|---|---|---|
| start time | end time | |
| Self guided Lochmara Experience | 10:30 | 13:30 |
| Self -Guided Lochmara Experience | 11:30 | 14:15 |
| Lochmara Once Discovered - 12.15pm | 12:15 | 15:00 |
| Note: Start and end times may be revised to suit ETA / ETD of ship in port | ||
Standard Tour Prices (current) | |
|---|---|
| Adult price | NZ $99.00 |
| Child price (5 to 14 yrs) | NZ $55.00 |
| Family price (max adults 2 max children 2) | NZ $295.00 |
Exclusive Tour Prices (current) | |
|---|---|
| Tour Duration | 2.75 hrs |
NOTE: Prices may vary depending on your Date of Travel.
Our Booking procedures quote the applicable prices before you commit to a Booking.
Is there a cost for children under 5 years old?
No children 4 years and under travel free.
Can I buy food and drinks at the lodge?
Yes, we have a licensed cafe/restaurant with fabulous local food and beverages available.
Do you have any foreign language guides?
We are unable to guarantee foreign language guides being available. Please ask when you check in and we will be able to confirm.
