THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A short cruise from Picton delivers you to Lochmara: 11 acres of coastal forest, free kayaks and paddleboards, feeding sessions with native birds and an underwater observatory. Perfect for a half‑ or full‑day exploration of Queen Charlotte Sound.
A short cruise from Picton delivers you to Lochmara: 11 acres of coastal forest, free kayaks and paddleboards, feeding sessions with native birds and an underwater observatory. Perfect for a half‑ or full‑day exploration of Queen Charlotte Sound.
A salt-scented breeze hits the foredeck as the launch slips out of Picton and into Queen Charlotte Sound. Twenty minutes later you step ashore at Lochmara: an 11‑acre pocket of regenerating native forest and shoreline where hand‑fed kakariki land boldly on gloved fingers and the water below is framed by an underwater observatory.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Lochmara Lodge · Picton, Marlborough
A salt-scented breeze hits the foredeck as the launch slips out of Picton and into Queen Charlotte Sound. Twenty minutes later you step ashore at Lochmara: an 11‑acre pocket of regenerating native forest and shoreline where hand‑fed kakariki land boldly on gloved fingers and the water below is framed by an underwater observatory.
Lochmara sits amid a landscape shaped by tectonic uplift and drowned river valleys — the Marlborough Sounds — with native flora recovering after centuries of farming and introduced species. The property interprets local ecology and conservation work, including captive breeding of red‑crowned kakariki in partnership with DOC and species release programs. Cultural threads run from Māori place names and traditional kai moana (seafood) to the European settlement patterns tied to Picton’s port and the region’s viticulture.
Practicalities are straightforward: the visit includes a 20‑minute cruise, free use of kayaks and paddleboards, self‑guided trails on the 11 acres, and a 3.5 km access track up to the Queen Charlotte Track for fit walkers. There’s an afternoon feeding and an optional guided tour of the underwater observatory for a closer look at subtidal life without getting wet.
Plan for changeable weather, layered clothing, sturdy footwear for uneven coastal tracks, and a mid‑day window if you want to connect to the Queen Charlotte Track. Bring a refillable bottle, binoculars for seabirds, and a waterproof bag for electronics. Whether you spend a few hours or the full day, Lochmara offers a compact mix of waterborne access, hands‑on wildlife encounters, and immediate access to longer coastal trails.
The scheduled cruise to Lochmara is approximately 20 minutes each way from Picton.
Yes—use of kayaks and paddleboards on Lochmara’s sheltered waters is included with the day visit.
The underwater observatory requires a separate guided tour (additional fee) and is subject to availability—book early where possible.
Children are welcome and can enjoy the feeding sessions; service animals are allowed, but pets are generally not suitable due to wildlife and farm animals on site.
Lochmara Lodge operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A salt-scented breeze hits the foredeck as the launch slips out of Picton and into Queen Charlotte Sound. Twenty minutes later you step ashore at Lochmara: an 11‑acre pocket of regenerating native forest and shoreline where hand‑fed kakariki land boldly on gloved fingers and the water below is framed by an underwater observatory.
A salt-scented breeze hits the foredeck as the launch slips out of Picton and into Queen Charlotte Sound. Twenty minutes later you step ashore at Lochmara: an 11‑acre pocket of regenerating native forest and shoreline where hand‑fed kakariki land boldly on gloved fingers and the water below is framed by an underwater observatory.
Lochmara sits amid a landscape shaped by tectonic uplift and drowned river valleys — the Marlborough Sounds — with native flora recovering after centuries of farming and introduced species. The property interprets local ecology and conservation work, including captive breeding of red‑crowned kakariki in partnership with DOC and species release programs. Cultural threads run from Māori place names and traditional kai moana (seafood) to the European settlement patterns tied to Picton’s port and the region’s viticulture.
Practicalities are straightforward: the visit includes a 20‑minute cruise, free use of kayaks and paddleboards, self‑guided trails on the 11 acres, and a 3.5 km access track up to the Queen Charlotte Track for fit walkers. There’s an afternoon feeding and an optional guided tour of the underwater observatory for a closer look at subtidal life without getting wet.
Plan for changeable weather, layered clothing, sturdy footwear for uneven coastal tracks, and a mid‑day window if you want to connect to the Queen Charlotte Track. Bring a refillable bottle, binoculars for seabirds, and a waterproof bag for electronics. Whether you spend a few hours or the full day, Lochmara offers a compact mix of waterborne access, hands‑on wildlife encounters, and immediate access to longer coastal trails.