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OUTDOORS
OUTDOORS
could mark off the plant and animal
species we could find, which created lots
of questions and conversation about each
species. The crayfish looked pretty yummy
I might add! At the touch tank we got to
learn more about our shore creatures,
being able to pick up the different kinds
of starfish and see their tentacles moving.
The scallops opening and moving through
the water was pretty cool to watch.
Unique
Marlborough
Escapes
Marlborough is an
incredible place to spend
an amazing summer.
With a diverse array of
spectacular offerings from
the sea to the sky, not only
will your days will be fun
filled but your summer
expectations absolulty
fulfilled. We have picked
out three of our top places
that you can allocate a few
days exploring and enjoying
to get the best out of the
Marlborough experience.
Celebrating Marlborough
LOCHMARA -
Sounds Paradise Experience
STORY BY SUSIE WILLIAMS
SUSIE WILLIAMS
Like any trip into the Marlborough sounds, the boat
trip to get to your destination is half the fun.
We boarded Lochmara's new boat, which
was comfortable and roomy. Along the
way we stopped to watch a couple of little
blue penguins swimming and fishing, a
real highlight for the kids and the visitors
from outside of New Zealand. Breathing
in the sea air while gazing out over the
nautical and native landscape is the
perfect introduction to the beauty of the
Sounds.
We headed off for a walk around the
wildlife and art trail, exploring all the
hammocks along the way! The challenge
of spotting the New Zealand geckos at the
Lizard Inn kept us entertained. A great job
has been done with the creation of the
Maori Whare and Crumpy's Camp....all of
which we had to go inside and explore,
wondering what it would be like to live in
such a place. For a while we felt as though
we were being followed by the local
Kereru population, but we soon worked
out which trees and berries were their
favourites.
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If you’re staying the night in the luxury
accomodation, be sure to check out the
glow worm grotto and go swimming in the
phosphorescence at night. Then curl up by
the fire in the library or meander in the art
gallery and be inspired by New Zealand art.
If your stay is all about escape, the bath
house is a must-do on the experience list.
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 Sounds
lifestyle. 'Once discovered never forgotten',
and simply a must-do in the Marlborough
Sounds.
After a sensational lunch in the restaurant
and relaxing on the beach while
overlooking the sea in the sunshine, we
were invited to feed the New Zealand red
crown Kakariki Parrots. The hungry parrots
were keen to fly down to our hands and
heads to feed from us, happily flying
around and chirping with their full bellies.
Love the animal feeding experience?
Why not indulge the native eels, pigs and
chickens while you’re there.
If you have time, grab yourself a
complimentary kayak or paddle-board
to drift about in the bay and see what sea-
life might come to check you out, serenity
at it’s best!
First priority on arrival for me was a good
coffee, which the restaurant kindly came
up with the goods for.
Time for us to learn about the reef project.
Lochmara has its own marine research and
education centre, with a new underwater
observatory and an outside touch tank.
Having studied some marine biology
at University, I was excited! Our tour
started with some friendly Pied Shag’s
coming in for a feed, showing us how
clever they were at diving underwater.
Our marine guide talked to us about the
species of plant and fish life we could see,
the current threats to our New Zealand
sea life, and the project’s aims for the
future. We all went into the underwater
observatory armed with a sheet so we
DISCOVER THE SPIRIT OF THE
MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS.
• Waterfront café/restaurant with
water views and fire on cooler nights
• Water view accommodation
• Day trips from $60.00 plus
Dinner Cruise options
• Discover native birds, geckos and eels
tours and stingray feeding.
Freephone: 0800 562 462
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E: [email protected]
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Art shop and art trail to explore
Access to the Queen Charlotte Track
Indulge in our luxurious baths for two
Beach, hammocks, FREE kayaks
and paddle boards
• Safe swimming beach
www.lochmara.co.nz