2 Day Lodge Explorer - Queen Charlotte Sound

Home 2 Day Lodge Explorer – Queen Charlotte Sound

Paddling the southern end of the Queen Charlotte Sound is easily achievable in two days. You and your will be able to explore magical bush-clad coves and bays, spot some of the plentiful bird life and marine mammals along the way and relax overnight at Lochmara Lodge.

$325NZ per person
Package Includes:
  • Guide for Day One
  • Morning tea & lunch for Day One
  • All kayaking and safety equipment
  • Accommodation at Lochmara Lodge (It is sometimes possible to upgrade to accommodation with a sea view – please ask us about this at the time of making your booking).

Trip Departure Time: 8.30am

Trip Return Time: 4.30pm

Duration: 2 days

An ideal combination of guided and independent sea kayaking. Maybe you have never sea kayaked before, or perhaps you would like to spend some time becoming familiar with the area before exploring with your paddling partner on your own.

Lochmara Lodge offers twin share ensuite accommodation set in the native bush-covered hills on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Unique and breathtakingly beautiful, Lochmara Lodge is accessible only by boat or from the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track. You can check out Lochmara Lodge on www.lochmaralodge.co.nz

Within easy paddling distance of Picton, you can enjoy a fantastic two day itinerary that combines the best of both guided and independent sea kayaking.

Day 1

On the first day you join the guided day trip departing at 8.30am from the Picton foreshore.

Your guide will take the time to assist you with your paddling skills, sharing their knowledge of the abundant wildlife and natural flora as you paddle along. There is also a chance to learn about some of the more interesting historical stories from the area.

At around 2.00-3.00pm you will leave the group and head to your accommodation at Lochmara Lodge for the evening. Your guide will discuss this with you during the day.

Day 2

The next day you make your own way along the Queen Charlotte Sound, taking time to explore the bays, coves and inlets of this wonderful maze of waterways, as you paddle back to Picton to arrive at 4.30pm.

Package Includes:

  • Guide for Day One
  • Morning tea & lunch for Day One
  • All kayaking and safety equipment
  • Accommodation at Lochmara Lodge
    (It is sometimes possible to upgrade to accommodation with a sea view – please ask us about this at the time of making your booking).

Available from 1 October to 30 April.

Departs upon request – subject to a minimum of two people booking.

This trip is subject to availability at the lodge.

We suggest you wear or bring:

Personal gear

  • change of warm clothing
  • waterproof jacket
  • sun protection
  • spare plastic bags
  • insect repellent
  • shoes that can get wet
  • t-shirt & shorts
  • toiletries
  • towel
  • swimsuit

Note: Breakfast and dinner can be purchased from the café at the lodge.

Can I do this trip if I am travelling on my own?

Unfortunately not. Due to safety reasons we are unable to rent to solo paddlers, therefore it is not possible to do this trip if you are travelling on your own.

We have never kayaked before, can we still do this trip?

Yes, many of our clients have never sea kayaked before but find it really easy to do.

I have never rented a kayak before, will I be okay?

Yes, during the day with our guide they will take your through a safety briefing and provide instruction on effective paddling techniques and itinerary planning.

I can’t swim, will I be okay?

Yes, you will be wearing a buoyancy aid and you will be travelling in a party with a guide, so the chances of you capsizing and falling out of your boat are minimal. Your guide will have provided you with a briefing on what to do if you do capsize when you are paddling on your own.

Do I need to be fit to enjoy this trip?

We recommend that you are at least of average fitness to enjoy this trip. You may feel a little tired in your shoulders after a day’s paddling, but we do have stops along the way and the pace is gentle.

What if it gets windy when I am out there?

Our trips are flexible enough that we can change the itinerary to meet the weather conditions. Ideally we try to organise the day so that the wind is at your back as much as possible. However, as with any outdoors experience, there may be times when you are required to paddle in windy conditions. If this is the case, then we try to minimise the time that you will be paddling into the wind.