The Lochmara Experience

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 form 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.

Once you arrive at Lochmara, self explore 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 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.
• Lochmara return water taxi 20-30-minute cruise.
• Observe the artwork around the grounds.
• Observe the natural flora and fauna as you walk through the 11 acres.
• See all the land-based animals.
• Self-guided access to the full 11 acres including a map.
• Use of paddle boards and Kayaks.

Not Included

• Items from the retail shop located in the Picton office and at the Lochmara onsite reception.
• Meals or refreshments
• Snorkeling equipment.
• Underwater observatory tour.
• Walking shoes or 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.
• Children's buggy/pushchairs can only be used in certain areas of Lochmara, we recommend front or back packs.
• 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

• Lochmara does not have full accessibility.
• Moderate fitness levels required and there are some uneven surfaces.

Options

• If you would like to do the guided underwater observatory tour, please book our PIC-19 tour.

Quick Search