The Moorings is a series of apartments built onto the Yacht Club in Picton, perfectly situated next to the Marina, which was very handy as we were within meters of catching the boat over to Lochmara Lodge. All of the apartments are beautifully appointed, fully self contained and offer magnificent views of Picton Marina.
A model of international four-star standard, The Moorings had our visit to Picton off to the most relaxing start possible. Amanda and I watched the sun set on the balcony of our unit while enjoying a delectable Pinot Noir, cheese and crackers.
Our luxury two bedroom apartment contained a King sized bedroom with an ensuite, walk in wardrobe and spectacular views; and a Queen sized bedroom with a separate bathroom.
Upstairs consists of a modern and stylish open plan kitchen, dining, lounge and balcony.The apartment has all the luxury modern conveniences you would expect in your own home making it the perfect balance between modern and homely.
As the apartments are connected to the Yacht Club guests staying in the Moorings are able to use all the facilities of the hotel including the bar, restaurant, and pool. Prices start from $160 to $380 per night and the apartment sleeps up to 4 people.
Lochmara Lodge
The night prior to our day trip to Lochmara Lodge we spotted the Lochmara Boat in the Marina from our balcony. 'That's handy' we thought. In the morning we wandered over to the boat at a quarter to nine for our 9am departure. There was an older guy onboard with his dog setting up for the day. So we approached him and introduced ourselves. The man looked very bewildered and didn't seem like he was expecting anyone. Turns out we were on the completely wrong boat so we had to do the mad dash to find the other Lochmara Boat- of course this would only ever happen to me.
We found the right boat dead on 9am and set off for Lochmara Lodge. What a great start to the day. Shane the creator of Lochmara Lodge and our skipper was very easy going and didn't seem to mind our tardiness- he actually found it quite amusing, which was a relief.
Shane created Lochmara Lodge 16 years ago with the vision to provide a place where visitors can come learn, interact and appreciate New Zealand's flora, fauna and art, while still offering a unique experience.
Lochmara Lodge offeres everything from arts and crafts, wildlife, accommodation, marine activities and hikes. Oh and how could I forget the hammocks! Stragically located to asorb as much of the sun and view as possible, I lazed on the hammocks for a good hour after exploring the property on our Art Hunt and it was very, very relaxing.
The Arts Centre supports and celebrates New Zealand artists and provides a unique venue for visitors to access and interact with art and the artists themselves. The artists' work is scattered throughout the bushland surrounding Lochmara Lodge. The Lochmara Art Hunt is a clever treasure hunt type activity that is a fun way to observe the art that you might otherwise have walked straight past. There is literally art to be found in every nook and cranny if you look hard enough.
Accommodation at Lochmara Lodge is about more than just a place to stay. They offer a selection of chalets and units for couples, family holidays, trampers, and art and nature lovers. Whether you want to get active, play and explore, or just relax and indulge there is something for everyone.
Lochmara offers a wide range of activities, from kayaking on the calm waters, exploring the property, walking on the Queen Charlotte Track, to soaking in their decadent Bath House and treating yourself to a relaxing massage. After dark, you can walk through the glow-worm grotto or lie in a hammock and star gaze at the Observatory.
Before heading back to Picton we had some lunch in the Licensed Café and Restaurant. For more information on Lochmara Lodge visit their website www.lochmaralodge.co.nz.
Kaira
After our Lochmara tour, James Wilson the owner of Kaira met us at a cafe in Picton before showing us around the outskirts of Picton and then up to his property, Kaira. James and his partner Barbie offer two alternatives for holidaymakers: Kaira or Number Nine.
We were able to stay in Kaira, a stunning holiday home in the Grove Arm of Marlborough Sounds, where pristine waters lap on golden beaches and native bush surrounds the secluded holiday home.
With the Queen Charlotte Track and Marlborough wineries just half an hour away, guests have the option to be as active as they like or do nothing more strenuous than soak up the view while soaking in the hot tub with a glass of wine. We opted for the second option minus the hot tub.
Chris one of the 'woofers' staying at Kaira is a Chef by trade and cooked us a feast of lamb chops, potato gems and roast vegetables fresh out of James' garden. As we enjoyed the delicious meal and wonderful wine (from James' cellar), loud laughter filled the table as James shared some of his all time favourite stories. In the odd break of conversation we would all sit back in awe as we admired the majestic view. After sun set, the architecturally designed house becomes an ideal place for stargazing. With no light pollution for miles we all gathered outside to observe the night's sky- and what a magical night it was, not one cloud in the sky.
Kaira is based around an open courtyard, which looks out onto a seemingly vertical drop down to the Sounds below you. The huge sliding glass doors that border the open-plan kitchen and dining area create a very effective indoor/outdoor entertaining area. At the other end of the courtyard are the two bedrooms. The master bedroom with its own ensuite bathroom; and the second bedroom, with a mezzanine children's sleeping area accessible by a small ladder. There is a separate indoor/outdoor sheek and stylish bathroom, which boasts the ultimate plate-headed power shower.
In the morning Chris out did himself again and cooked us scrumptious scrambled eggs on toast, using eggs from the free range hens on the property.
James is one of those characters you rarely come across and is an asset to both Kaira and Number Nine. I couldn't have picked a more perfect spot to celebrate Good Friday.
Number Nine is a luxury apartment right on the water front in Picton, only a minutes walk from a range of cafes and restaurants, and the ferry terminal. The three bedroom, two bathroom apartment features a spacious living room and patio, a hot tub, all day sun and uninterrupted views of Picton and Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds.
For more information on the two properties visit their website at: www.thegreenshed.co.nz
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