Lochmara Lodge Lochmara Bay Animal Encounter

Lochmara is a very popular destination in the Marlborough Sounds for all guests, whether solo, couples or families, so come and visit and see 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 Zealand’s 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 Kākāriki parakeet, pigs, Arapawa
goats, sheep, native eels, geckos and occasionally Tuatara are here too – just 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
Aotearoa’s natural landscape and all it stands for.
Our onsite café enables you to enjoy unique cocktails,
locally brewed beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Delight in the taste of
our cuisine, it’s simple, rustic, and full of flavour, using ingredients that
truly give our guests a taste of this beautiful environment, the Marlborough
Sounds.
Lochmara does not have full accessibility.
Please note access to the Underwater Observatory does include steep boat stairs.
Moderate fitness levels required and there are some uneven surfaces.
Children's buggy/pushchairs can only be used in certain
areas of Lochmara, we recommend front or back packs

During Late December and early January this is high season