Marlborough Resort Hotel
Lochmara is a locally owned and operated resort set right on the waters edge in the Marlborough Sounds in Lochmara Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand.
Lochmara has 14 rooms, a waterfront cafe, and is set on 11 acres of land with plenty of activities to keep all our guests entertained.
We are conveniently accessible from Picton by a 20-minute boat trip on our 50-seater enclosed water taxi.
Come and enjoy a way of life, noting there is no road access, although we can easily arrange water transport for you from Picton on the Lochmara Water Taxi (charges apply).
Lochmara also has a scenic 3.5km walking track to the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track. We offer great accommodation, day trips, and you can add an Underwater Observatory tour to your day, which is one of only two in New Zealand.
Join us for a day, a meal, or a longer stay and you’ll soon realise Lochmara truly is…”Once Discovered… Never Forgotten”.
Accommodation at Lochmara Lodge
We offer a wide range of accommodation options for couples, families, Queen Charlotte Track users, art, and wildlife lovers.
Tucked in Lochmara Bay between the water and the bush-clad hills of the Marlborough Sounds, our guests enjoy gorgeous views, excellent facilities, our own sandy beach, natural wildlife, and a range of optional activities. In addition, after dark you can experience the wonder of the Glow-worms, and the waters bioluminescence!
Capturing the unique magic of the Sounds, Lochmara offers a total experience. Whether you want to get active and explore, or relax and indulge, there is something here for you. Easily accessible by our own water taxi from Picton, or on foot or bike from the Queen Charlotte Track, the resort is a wonderful retreat.
Marlborough Sounds Day Trip Packages
Open yourself to the magic of the Marlborough Sounds at Lochmara. Set on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound, Lochmara captures the spirit and character of the Sounds: beautiful scenery, a passion for the natural environment and the unique lifestyle.
Spend the day at Lochmara reconnecting with the kids. Explore our trails, or come and enjoy a meal at our cafe. There is always the option to stay a few days, subject to availability. Our day trip rates include Lochmara return water transport from Picton, free use of the kayaks and paddle boards, viewing of the land-based feedings of the native Kakariki’s, pigs and eels and more…
Our licensed cafe/restaurant provides a range of food, dietary requirements, and a children’s menu. Please note we are not a picnic venue.
Lochmara Cafe
Lochmara Cafe is a fully licensed café and restaurant. We are open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a snack menu running all day until 6pm.
Please note booking reservations are required for dinner. There are no cooking facilities available at Lochmara. All guests are fully catered for at our licensed café and restaurant.
The cuisine is based on seasonal Marlborough flavours, reflecting the regional specialties from sea and land. Our menus emphasise sustainability and where possible our meat and seafood are organic or local, and fresh produce is sourced locally and seasonally. Our drinks menu showcases wines from Marlborough and throughout New Zealand, as well as boutique craft beers. We have a reputation for the best coffee in the Sounds, and there is fresh baking from our kitchen for morning and afternoon tea.
In the cooler Autumn and Spring months we have the log fire going in the evenings to add to the already ambient experience that is Lochmara.
Marlborough Sounds Functions
Lochmara is a unique location and continues to provide a special venue to host your event in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. We would love to provide a specific package designed with your group in mind.
Our competitive pricing will be completed for water transfers, menus, and any other wish you have for your function, and will be specific to your group size and wishes for your function.
Some examples are:
- Work functions or conferences
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Hens and Stag trips
- Post wedding get togethers
- Honeymoons
- Harvest parties
- Baby showers
- Club outings
- Or a group of friends getting together.
Nature Walks & Sculpture Trail
Self guided nature walks are available around Lochmara. We have a network of educational signs with the history of the region and interesting information on native plants, geology, conservation projects and much more on our character filled property of 11 acres. There is also interaction with endangered species breeding programs, an abundance of bird life, a bee display, and of course, wonderful views at every point.
We also have a 3.5km walking track to the Queen Charlotte Track. This takes approx. 1 hour each way. Once at the top you can walk onto the Onahau Lookout which affords 360 degree panaramic views of both the Queen Charlotte Sound and the Kenepuru Sound. The return walking time is approx 3.5 hours.
