How To Get Here

How To Get Here

Lochmara is located in Lochmara Bay, opposite Picton, on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound in the stunning Marlborough Sounds. There are no roads to Lochmara Lodge. However, you can get to us by boat, kayak, bike or on foot! Let the adventure begin….. If coming just for the day, please view our Day Trip pages.

No road Access

We are boat only access unless you are biking or walking the Queen Charlotte Track. You cannot drive to Lochmara.

Arriving by Lochmara Water Taxi

You can arrive on our fast, dedicated Lochmara water taxi that has three scheduled departures per day from Picton, and Lochmara. Please book here for both your accommodation and Lochmara water transfers. The only day of the season the Lochmara water taxi doesn’t run is Christmas Day.

Water Taxi Departure times:
Depart Picton: 9.00am, 12.15pm and 3.15pm.
Depart Lochmara: 11.00am, 2.45pm, and 4.00pm (off peak), or 5.00pm (peak)
Alternative departure times may be available on request, with a surcharge applied.

Lochmara Water Taxi Pricing:

Return water taxi prices: From $85.00 per adult, $42.00 per child (5-15 years). Children 4 and under travel free.

One way water taxi prices: From $50.00 per adult, $37.00 per child (5-15 years). Children 4 and under travel free.

A well-earned Gold Card holder receives a discount, so please let us know when booking.

Check in is 30 minutes before departure at our Picton Office located on the Picton Waterfront at 4A/1 London Quay, Picton. View our office location map HERE

Arriving by your own boat

For guests arriving to Lochmara on their own boat we have moorings available. Please use VHF channel 63 to contact us and we will allocate you a mooring and collect you on our tender.

If you have accommodation booked with us your mooring is free of charge. If you are staying overnight on the mooring in your own boat, it is free of charge if dining in our restaurant. If not dining, and the mooring is all you are after, the mooring fee is $30.00 off peak season, and $50.00 peak season, per night.

Arriving by jet ski

For guests arriving to Lochmara by jet-ski, please pull up to our jetty and our team will point you to the jet-ski parking and collect you on our tender.

Fly in by helicopter

We have a heli-pad suitable for your use, please Contact Us for details before arriving.

Hiking or biking in from the Queen Charlotte Track

Please follow the signs to the Lochmara reception to check-in, or to hear about the services available at Lochmara and pay any entry fees applicable for your time with us.
If your mountain bike needs a wash on arrival, you are welcome to head down to the jetty and use the hose there to clean your bike.

How can I get to Picton

Check out the Interislander or Bluebridge Ferry for ferry bookings between Picton and Wellington.
Visit Sounds Air for flight timetables and bookings into Picton and Blenheim. Sounds Air also has its own shuttle service to and from the airport to Picton’s waterfront. Visit Air New Zealand for flight timetables and bookings into Blenheim.
If arriving into Blenheim by air, you will need to book a shuttle to get to Picton. It is 30 minutes by road to Picton from the Blenheim airport.

Where can I park my car in Picton?

There is a council car park at the waters end of Wellington Street in Picton. From here it's only a minute’s walk to the Lochmara Picton Office and water taxi.

For other options please view the Marlborough District Council site here. Please note: This is not specifically Lochmara Lodge parking and charges may apply.

View Map Below