Lochmara Lodge Getaway, Marlborough Sounds 30th Sept-2nd Oct 2016

With fine dining and excellent accommodation this is a luxury kayaking trip at its best. Imagine at the end of a paddle coming back to hot showers, soft mattresses, an open fire in the restaurant, do I need to go on.   
 
We have set a date for this much anticipated getaway to the Marlborough Sounds.
We will be leaving on the morning sailing Friday 30th Sept and returning on the afternoon sailing arriving 5.45pm Wellington, 2nd Oct .

The choice of lodge is what I think, one of the best in the Sounds. Tucked beside the water's edge in Lochmara Bay, the Lodge has its own sandy beach, surrounded by the beautiful bush clad hills of the Marlborough Sounds. Unique and breathtakingly beautiful, Lochmara Lodge is easily accessible by kayak from Picton.
Two nights will be spent staying at Lochmara Lodge. For all of the information you need about the lodge go to: - www.lochmaralodge.co.nz 
 
This trip is open to partners who are not club members.
Partners will be picked up in Picton and taken to Lochmara by the lodge’s water taxi, and returned on Sunday the same way. So no paddling involved.
While we go off paddling during the day they will be able to explore the area by foot and be there to greet you and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the Lodge.
A walk on part of the Queen Charlotte track from Lochmara Lodge is also an option for non kayakers.
 
Our paddling days will be relaxed and not early starts (time to let that breakfast go down). We will also be off the water early too (plenty of time to get ready for dinner and have some pre dinner drinkies).
 
The lunch for the first day (Friday) will need to be taken by you in your kayak or eat early on the ferry.

Breakfast and dinner for 2 days will be at the lodge’s restaurant/cafe. If you want to take your own breakfast food it's up to you.
Please note there are no cooking facilities in the rooms at the lodge. Check out their website to see what the rooms have.
 
The plan for paddling during the weekend will involve a paddle from Picton to the lodge on the Friday, approx 9kms. Saturday we will go further up the Queen Charlotte sound and return to the lodge, approx 18-20km. Sunday we will paddle down into Grove Arm and make our way back to Picton, approx 16km.
 
You will need trolley wheels and all of your normal paddling and safety gear. You won’t need to take a tent, sleeping bag or food. Very easy to pack, yes.
 
We will take care of making the bookings for the lodge and the ferry.
At the lodge, all meals, room payment and any other lodge costs incurred by you will be your responsibility to pay for at the end of your stay.
 
Trip cost will be $190.00 (excluding lodge costs). TBA. (non members $172.00, which includes return water taxi, ex. Picton).
 
A $100.00 deposit is needed to confirm your place. Please let us know if you want to hire a kayak, cost $120.00.
 
The rooms that are listed below are the rooms they have available for us. It will be a first come first served basis for the rooms. If you wish to share a room with others, please let us know who you will be sharing with when you sign up for the trip.
Room tariffs are for two people in a unit and additional charges of $35 per adult per night apply.
  
Prices below are for one night and they are holding these rooms for us for a short time so we need to get names and numbers soon. 

2 x Shearwater Units. Ideal for the budget-conscious travelers looking for a base to explore Lochmara, these basic units offer two single beds and an en-suite bathroom. Tea and coffee making facilities are also provided. The rooms face the hillside and have no water views or outdoor seating area. Room rate $97.00 per night
 
2 x Bellbird Units. Perfect for couples, our Bay View ensuite units offer a queen bed and access to a shared courtyard with bay views. Tea and coffee making facilities are also provided. Room rate $132.50 per night
 
1 x  Kotuku Unit. Able to sleep five with a queen, single and couch (bed settee) this room offers good value for money. There is a coffee table and kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and a microwave (no cooking facilities). The room opens to a porch with a shared courtyard that has beautiful views of the bay. Room rate $188.00 per night
 

1 x Fantail Family Unit. Family units sleep up to 5 in two rooms. The open plan room has a queen bed, couch (bed settee for additional guests), coffee table, and kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and a microwave (no cooking facilities). A separate bedroom has a single bed and a set of bunks. These units also open to a porch with a shared courtyard that has beautiful views of the bay.
Room rate $188.00 per night

1 x Weka Chalets. Family Chalets are open plan rooms with a queen bed and two single beds, making them ideal for family groups. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided. These rooms enjoy bay views from the room, and also open to an adjoining balcony with stunning views of the bay.
Room rate from $245.00 per night
 
1 x Tui Chalets. Regular Chalets are versatile open plan rooms with a queen bed and a single bed, and also offer a sofa (bed settee) and coffee table sitting area. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided. These rooms enjoy bay views from the room, and also open to an adjoining balcony with stunning views of the bay.
Room rate from $245 per night

Again, please call the shop to book for this trip ASAP to avoid missing out.
 
Trip leader Neil Thompson