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Underwater Observatory

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Add me to your day trip!

Book your ticket and join us at our stationary underwater observatory, one of two in New Zealand, for the 45-minute fully guided Underwater Observatory Tour, including a:

  • Hands-on, sensory experience at the Seaside Touch Tank containing a variety of marine organisms;

  • Guided access to the underwater observatory, where you head into our stationary underwater observatory to view and learn about the marine-based wildlife in its natural habitat;

  • Potential for a stingray encounter where you can view stingrays up close and learn about these beautiful, docile creatures and why there is no need to fear them.

Some of the species you may see during the tour are carpet sharks, stingrays, crayfish, blue cod, tarakihi, conga eels and diving shags. What you see can be affected by several variables, including the time of year and the presence of predators such as Orca.

Guided tours are run by our passionate guides who are fully qualified Marine Biologist and Zoologist educators. Tours can be booked at the time of your accommodation or day trip booking.

Guided tours are at 10.10am, 11.00am, 12.50pm and 2.45pm.

Please note tour times may change and are subject to availability.

Adults

$20

pp

Children (5-15)

$10

pp

Kids under 5

FREE

Please note that Underwater Observatory bookings are available exclusively as an add-on to an accommodation or day trip reservation.

Return to Day trips

Available as a day trip add-on

Get the full Lochmara experience by adding this activity to one of our popular day trip packages.

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Our most popular day trip. Grab your friends or family and be transported to paradise, enjoying some of Lochmara’s top activities.
from $85
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Take advantage of our family rate and enjoy a day trip to Lochmara Lodge taking in the surrounding Queen Charlotte Sounds on your way.
from $210
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Lunch in the Sounds
Go on, you deserve a break! Book a trip to Lochmara, spend the day and enjoy a wonderful lunch from our daytime menu.
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Pamper yourself and someone special with a day of excitement and exploration in the Marlborough Sounds at Lochmara!
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Take a break from the ordinary and rediscover wonder at Lochmara Lodge.

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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