Lochmara Lodge. It's a resort experience everyone needs to have.

To many, including us pre boat, Lochmara Lodge is the kind of place you immediately think of when someone says they are heading into the Sounds for a holiday. It is the total epitome of what the Marlborough Sounds is. The whole experience here is top notch and you will absolutely create memories of a lifetime with even just a day stay here. But if you decide to stay a little longer you will easily spend a couple of days exploring the 11 acres of Sounds paradise that they have carved out here. Visiting here on your own boat is well catered for and gives you a completely refreshing change from the normal cruising schedule.  

GPS: 41°22'85.59"S - 173°99'77.07"E
Depth at anchor : 15-20 metres depending on how far away from the Lodge you are
Moorings : Yes - plenty of Lochmara Lodge ones. You must call ahead. 
Ocean Floor : ? We have only used their moorings
Holding : Good 
Sheltered : from all westerly aspects but open to the East and North
On anchor : Little bit rolly from frequent trips of the Lochmara Lodge water taxi, busy in summer
Cellphone Signal : not sure. 
Beach : sandy beach with fantastic swimming.
View : the lodge and all of its activities is front and centre here
Fresh Water : access to fresh water from their jetty if you ask nicely
Bugs : minimal on the boat
Website : https://www.lochmara.co.nz/

We have been lucky enough to have been coming here to Lochmara Lodge since 1999. In some ways the experiences provided by the original owners Shayne and Louise were actually part of our own journey to buying the Oriental Lady and committing to exploring the Marlborough Sounds on our own boat. Back in 1999 we had a business colleague that was an ex business partner of Shayne Olsen. So we discovered Lochmara Lodge in it's infancy. Back then Shayne and Louise had a young family, and were setting about building their dream. We absolutely loved going there and it became our holiday spot of choice. Whenever we had friends or family visiting we would all go to Lochmara Lodge. Special anniversary or birthday, again, Lochmara Lodge was our destination of choice. 

"Lochmara Lodge is a part of our family. We heard of it through close friends who were previous business partners with the original owners, so we first started coming here in 1999 when it was in it's early stages. When we used to think of the Sounds we would think of Lochmara."

Photo: throw back to a pre boat trip to Lochmara in 2020, a trip that was a catalyst to buying the boat.  Photo: 2023 and our boat is now moored off the beach at Lochmara Lodge. 

Lochmara Lodge is a complete Marlborough Sounds experience and really is a MUST DO if you are heading into the inner Queen Charlotte Sounds. The facilities are second to none in the area, and you are guaranteed to have a fantastic time here, for a day or for a week! Arriving by boat means you get an entirely unique experience, with the choice of anchoring in the bay, or calling ahead and asking to use one of their many moorings. All they ask is that you use their restaurant, or book one of their many experiences on offer. This is a given really, as you will want to head ashore and explore everything that this well rounded Lodge offers.   

Anchoring & mooring. 

An statement from the Lochmara Lodge website (current as of March 2026) - "Mooring is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re just stopping by for a few hours to enjoy our facilities, there is no fee. Guests staying overnight in our accommodation, can also moor free of charge. If you wish to moor overnight without staying in our accommodation, there is a nightly fee of $50 during peak season, or $30 off-peak. However, if you dine in our restaurant for dinner (subject to availability), the overnight mooring fee is waived".
If you wish to anchor the holding is apparently quite good, although the bay is very open to the wind, and with the northerlies being the prevailing wind you will be exposed if you choose to anchor outside the lodge in any kind of wind. There are a large number of moorings around the bay, and in front of the lodge, but there is still plenty of room to anchor. Various cables are laid across the bottom of the bay so care must be take when anchoring anywhere in Lochmara Bay.

Exploring the lodge. 

There is no better way to spend a day than exploring all that the lodge offers. Lochmara has been drawing visitors for decades, with a long legacy of commitment to conservation, community, and the creation of unforgettable memories. Explore the grounds of the lodge on self-guided nature walks and learn about the history and native flora of the region. They have regular talks at various locations by the staff so you can learn more about it all. Wander through their captivating sculpture trail, where art and nature meet in unexpected ways. For the adventurous, a hike to the Queen Charlotte Track offers breathtaking panoramic views. The hammocks are a great way to spend a lazy afternoon!

Join guided tours aboard the stationary Underwater Observatory where you’ll be informed and entertained by their passionate fully qualified guides. While sightings are determined by the time of year, presence of predators and a dash of luck, you may see carpet sharks, stingrays, crayfish, blue cod, tarakihi, conga eels and diving shags. The touch tank is an absolute delight for everyone, but especially children!

Check out their website. https://www.lochmara.co.nz/