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Make the most of your time on shore with a trip to Lochmara.

Duration: Approximately up to 5 hours, or less if you wish.

Depart Picton on our Lochmara water taxi and enjoy the approximately 20 minute cruise across the Marlborough Sounds to Lochmara. Once here, explore Lochmara's 11 acres of native bush trails, sculptures, conservation projects, and wildlife.

The Lochmara water transfer departure times are:

  • Picton to Lochmara: 9:00am, 12:15pm, and 3:15pm

  • Lochmara to Picton: 11:00am, 2:45pm, and 4:00pm (replaced with 5:00pm sailing in peak season 1 Dec - 31 Mar)

Please note sailings on the Lochmara water transfer are subject to cruise ship sailing times. Unscheduled transfer available at additional charge.Options available will show when clicking 'book now'.

Adults

$70

pp

Children (5-15)

$35

pp

Kids under 5

FREE

Book Now

Features

Boat trip to Lochmara on the Lochmara water transfer.
See the native Kākariki Parakeets, Kunekune pigs, and eels being fed.
Possible marine mammal and seabird viewing en route to Lochmara.
Explore Lochmara's 11 acres of native bush trails, sculptures, conservation projects, and wildlife.
Daily animal education and feeding tour.
Licensed café providing a range of food, dietary requirements, and a children's menu.
Free use of the kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
Please note we are not a picnic venue.
Safe swimming beach with children's play equipment.
Art gallery within the café and Lochmara reception.

Add an extra to your day trip

Get the full Lochmara experience by adding one of these fantastic optional extras to your booking.

Queen Charlotte Track
Soak up the scenery and native bush by adding a hike to the Queen Charlotte Track (QCT) panoramic lookout to your booking. A 3 hour return trip, the fee purchases the required QCT pass.
from $20
pp
Underwater Observatory
Join our guided tours aboard the stationary Underwater Observatory where you will informed and entertained by our passionate fully qualified guides.
from $10
pp
Bathhouse
Rest and relax in the privacy of our private bathhouse. Spend an hour soaking the serenity of our twin tubs, complete with stunning views across the bay.
from $85
pp

Other day trips we offer

Not quite the right package? Try one of the great options below.

Cruise & Explore
2-7 hours • Family-friendly
Family Day Out
2-7 hours • Family-friendly
Dinner in the Sounds
2-7 hours • Family-friendly
Time For Two
2-7 hours • Adults-only
Lunch in the Sounds
2-7 hours • Family-friendly

Eat. Play.

Stay

Take a break from the ordinary and rediscover wonder at Lochmara Lodge.

Book now

Hear from past visitors

Nga whakaaturanga manuhiri

A real highlight of the QC track and our honeymoon! Welcoming us off the boat, beautiful clean room with the best view, 11/10 food, fantastic service, amazing quirky and clean animal park, his and her bathtubs were a real treat, a truly special part of the sounds that could pass as a tropical island.

R. Clifton

An absolute gem in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.After a 20 minute cruise from Picton, you step off the boat into another world, so lovely and peaceful.Relax in one of the hammocks with a book, take a leisurely kayak around the bay, explore the tracks through native bush or join the amazing Wildlife Team for an animal tour.

S. Fern

This is a magical place, where you can get away from the pace of life and enjoy relaxing and watching the world go by. There are lovely walks and lots of interesting little nooks and crannies to explore. The staff are friendly and helpful. We loved our visit - thank you!!

R. Dee