This is a tricky review. Lochmara is such a lovely spot and a very unique and quirky place, that I'm loathe to give it an average review. On balance though, it reflects our stay.

We arrived on for the last night of our Queen Charlotte walk, meandering down through the pine forests above the resort and marveling at the wonderful sculptures. It really felt like an arty, hippie haven....lots of artwork everywhere, animal conservation and so on. It lived up to its reputation in that respect.

We arrived at the reception and the lady there was on the phone. We stood in front of her, panting away (it was hot and we were sweaty and thirsty from the hike), and she remained on the phone....for quite some time. I gave up and wandered outside to sit down. Eventually she finished sorting out her personal life and booked us in. First rule of hotel hospitality: welcome your guests. If you are on an important call, just pause and say "i'll be right with you" and then bring your call to an end as soon as possible (maybe even say "i'll call you back").

Not a great start. We went down to our room. It was a family one (unfortunately for us the resort was booked out and that was the only available room when we booked). We were on the ground floor of a block, sandwiched in between two rooms. Privacy was at a minimum and we had an extended family next door. from Europe, who spoke at super high decibels pretty much right outside our door. They tried to encroach on our space (no guesses for where they were from!) as well so we had to put some towels out on chairs. Annoying stuff.

The room was basic but fine. It was more like camping ground accommodation, although in a pretty location. The beds were hard and our room backed onto some lane way which was a bit smelly so we kept the bathroom window closed. It had a very noisy fridge and you could hear people moving around, opening doors, drains flushing and so on. It was not the most peaceful spot!

Nevertheless, the cafe was fabulous (reviewed separately) and we enjoyed the kayaks and small beach. It's a very busy place so if you're looking for a quiet, peaceful time, I wouldn't recommend it.

Overall, I wouldn't be going back except to drop into the cafe, which is well worth the visit. But if you're looking for a good value place to stay in the Sounds and you don't mind the basic and cramped accommodation, then it might be for you.

A 15 minute water taxi ride from Picton, Lochmara Lodge is in a beautiful location in the Queen Charlotte Sounds. The lodge rooms are quite basic but certainly clean and comfortable enough and an ok price for what you get. The restaurant is as others have commented the only place to eat once you're at the lodge and it's on the pricier side but we found the quality of food and friendly service worth the cost. The lodge is a lovely place where you can tramp the QCS, make use of the free kayaks and paddle around the bays or just relax in the hammocks within the lodge grounds. We will probably stay there again if we ever come back to NZ.

Despite a day of bad weather we had a great stay at Lochmara Lodge. We were there 2 nights and found our room to be basic, but very clean and perfectly situated to watch the bay. We even had a small kitchen.

The food there was delicious. The meat and fish at dinner were top notch and the breakfasts were varied and satisfying. Having a drink at "Happy Hour" and taking it down to the beach was super relaxing.

We used the free kayaks to cruise around the bay every morning and saw rays, fish and seals. The hike up to the Queen Charlotte track was beautiful and the track well marked with spectacular views over the sound. The hikes on the Lochmara property are also worth doing and you will see the gardens, animals and birds.

The staff was very friendly and accommodating and when we had boisterous neighbors one night, they came over to ask them to quite down very quickly.

Even the boat ride to the lodge is fun and there is lots to see. This is the kind of place you can have fun even if you don't feel like hiking the track. We have already recommended it to our friends.

Afetr a long day of walking it was wonderful to be met by such friendly and helpful staff. Our room was large and clean and private, with an elevated balcony overlooking the bay.
The best surprise was the fabulous restaurant- not only were the menu choices interesting, but were beautifully prepared and presented, and the portions were generous.
Our day of rest was useful to enjoy paddling in the kayaks, admire the interesting artwork at Lochmara (can recommend the Mosaic Couch for comfort and views) and checking out the NZ animals.
A great place to spend a day of leisure.