Lochmara Lodge

“Really nice place to spend a couple of nights”

We recently spent a couple nights at Lochmara Lodge and had a great stay. Reservation was made through the lodge website. Booking email was received immediately along with details for boat transfer between Picton and the lodge. Check-in starts at the Lochmara booking office on the Picton Foreshor… more

We recently spent a couple nights at Lochmara Lodge and had a great stay. Reservation was made through the lodge website. Booking email was received immediately along with details for boat transfer between Picton and the lodge. Check-in starts at the Lochmara booking office on the Picton Foreshore. As part of overnight stay reservations, you select choose boat transfer times. Staff at the Lochmara office are very friendly and provides loads of information about the Lochmara grounds and activities. There is a gift shop section here as well. The boat transfer to the lodge across the sound takes 20 minutes. Upon arrival, you proceed to the reception office where you can store luggage if taking the early 9am boat ride. This is where you pick up your room keys as well and when available. Our room was nice, spacious and comfortable. There are basic facility, inside table as well as a smaller outdoor table and chairs on our balcony. Bed was comfy, excellent views of the sound. Otherwise, rooms are basic, sufficient for a couple nights stay and comfortable. Bathroom was fine, shower water pressure good. Room cleaning was good as well. Lochmara facilities are really impressive. We really enjoyed the underwater observatory, this was a neat experience. There are 11 hectares of land with nature trails through nicely forested and hilly grounds. There are hammocks, sitting benches and interesting sculptures installed throughout the grounds, making for nice walking experience. At night, there is a wooded deck area where there are loads of glowworms. These were fun to see after dark. There is also scheduled animal feedings which were quite fun. These include Kakariki birds, geckos, tuatara lizard, eels, domestic pigs and goats which make their homes on the Lochmara grounds. We also made use of the kayaks on the small beach, which are included as part of your stay. Alas, there is access by way of an linking 3km walk north to the Queen Charlotte Trail. We did this one morning, making way to a nearby Onahau Lookout where you are afforded outstanding views of the Sounds in all directions. This is a slightly challenging out and back trail but straightforward enough for those with moderate fitness. As is expected when it comes to dining, you are part of a captive audience at Lochmara really only have the lodge cafe for choice when it comes to your meals. Happy to report that we were very happy with all of the meals prepared during our stay. They have a breakfast and all-day menu, reduced afternoon snack menu and separate dinner menu. Breakfast waffles were great, squid and falafel burgers for midday meals were just fine. We were most impressed with the market fish at dinner, enjoyed this two nights in a row. Pasta plate was good as well, all dishes are presented well and tasted better than you'd expect. Service always so friendly and timely. Prices reasonable considering the location and food quality. On the whole, we really enjoyed our two days at Lochmara and would gladly return to repeat during future visits to the Marlborough Sounds area.

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“A very special place. Next time we'll stay overnight.”

We spent the day here but wished that we had booked the accommodation and stayed for the night. The whole operation is seemless, from being picked up by the Lochmara launch, the food (brunch and lunch were delicious), the underwater observatory and animals, the sheltered beach/cove with kayaks and … more

We spent the day here but wished that we had booked the accommodation and stayed for the night. The whole operation is seemless, from being picked up by the Lochmara launch, the food (brunch and lunch were delicious), the underwater observatory and animals, the sheltered beach/cove with kayaks and SUPs provided, to the trails connecting to the Queen Charlotte track and amazing views from Onahau Lookout. We booked the private bathhouse - after a couple of hours' hike it was incredible; it would be a must for anyone coming off a day on the Queen Charlotte! All the staff were outstanding. Very relaxed and friendly, and they couldn't do enough for us. We went there as a couple and absolutely loved it, but this would be the best place for a family - kids would never get bored. We will definitely be back!

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“Best kept secret in the Marlborough Sounds.”

Loved the experience. This was our 5th time there and first time staying in the accommodation (Fantail room). The meals were lovely. We loved the Tim tam chocolate cake. The Sprig and Fern cider mango and lime was the best drink. Ashley and Charlie great service at dinner. Anna was very frien… more

Loved the experience. This was our 5th time there and first time staying in the accommodation (Fantail room). The meals were lovely. We loved the Tim tam chocolate cake. The Sprig and Fern cider mango and lime was the best drink. Ashley and Charlie great service at dinner. Anna was very friendly and helpful on our arrival day. Both drivers on the boat very knowledgeable and Floyd the dog. What a great atmosphere. Gift shop was stocked with all the essentials and great gif ideas.

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