Picton Harbour — Uncover the Soviet Wreck's Secret
Decipher Cold War espionage hidden in the wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov. Uncover why a Soviet cruise ship sank in Picton Harbour and what classified cargo was never recovered.
📱 1 to 10 phones · 1 team per phone · Independent codes
On February 16, 1986, the Soviet passenger cruise ship Mikhail Lermontov sank in Picton Harbour under mysterious circumstances
Picton Harbour — Uncover the Soviet Wreck's Secret
You are a naval intelligence operative, dispatched to Picton Harbour, New Zealand, in February 1986, just hours after the Soviet passenger cruise ship Mikhail Lermontov sank under mysterious
Operation 'Ghost Fjord': Locate the Clandestine Log of the Marlborough Sounds
« « These Sounds are an aquatic labyrinth, a gift from nature for those who know how to hide within them. » »— Commander Alistair Finch's Journal, 1942
From Cook's Charts to Wartime Fears
The Marlborough Sounds, with their deep coves and verdant islands, were first mapped in detail by Captain James Cook during his voyages between 1770 and 1777. Fascinated by the beauty and complexity of the region, Cook often anchored HMS Resolution at Ship Cove, using the Sounds as a base for repairs and resupply. His detailed charts became essential references, revealing the unique topography of a place that would one day play an unexpected role in military history.
More than a century and a half later, the same Sounds that had offered shelter to Cook became a crucial strategic asset during World War II. The fear of a Japanese invasion in the South Pacific led New Zealand to bolster its coastal defenses. The isolated and labyrinthine topography of the Sounds made them an ideal location for hypothetical secret naval bases or supply caches, hidden from view. This context, rich in secrets and clandestine operations, inspired the idea of a submarine cache, a vital link in the Commonwealth's defense chain.
How does it work?
Explore the city on foot solving puzzles based on real historical facts. No locked room — the city is your playground.
No app to download. Play directly from your browser. Guided step by step, at your own pace.
One purchase per phone is enough. Play with family, friends or as a couple — everyone participates.
Point your phone at the façade: a historical character appears and speaks to you in your language. Golden letters magically write themselves on the wall to reveal the puzzle answer.
Stuck? Progressive personalised hints. The character repeats the puzzle on demand — at your own pace.
French, English, German, Spanish, Italian + 27 other languages auto-translated by AI.
The game downloads to your phone on start. Once the "✓ Downloaded" indicator appears, everything works without data — narration, AR, GPS and puzzles. Perfect abroad without a data plan.
Want to go deeper?
Places tied to your adventure — optional entries, totally up to you · per person
The Route
5-10 curated sites across the territory
The gameplay: AR, camera, hidden clues
At each stop, open your phone camera: an augmented reality character appears on the façade and speaks your language. Hunt the clue — it materializes as golden letters on the real wall or floats in front of you. When you find it, the phone vibrates, an AR chest opens and reveals your answer fragment. 8 stops, 8 clues to find with the camera, 1 final code.
The stops on your route are a surprise. You'll discover them one by one, guided by your phone, starting from the meeting point.
How does it work with a group?
One phone = one team. Pick the number at checkout (1 to 10).
Solo, or a group sharing the screen. One team, one code.
Family, couple, or 2-3 teams competing. Each phone has its own code and its own score.
Friends, bachelor/bachelorette, small office outing — each their own code, each plays at their own pace. Tiered pricing then €6 flat per phone from the 6th.
- ✓All codes are independent — play at the same time OR separately, each team advances at its own pace.
- ✓Leaderboard between your teams + global game leaderboard — each score appears in the public ranking.
- ✓More than 10 phones or need a personalized quest? Discover custom tours.
Ready to live this adventure?
Get my code · 14,90€No calendar booking. Code sent immediately by email.
🔒 Secure payment · Code in 5 min · Free cancellation
Practical info
Why this route?
Clandestine Log
Decipher Commander Finch's secret entries to reveal the location of a forgotten WWII submarine cache.
Espionage Investigation
Track the clues of a double agent, 'The Hawk,' whose betrayal jeopardized a vital Allied operation.
Maritime Labyrinth
Explore the complex maritime landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds, from hidden coves to strategic viewpoints.
When calm waters hide dark secrets.
Will you outwit the traitor of the Marlborough Sounds?
9 features nobody else has
OddballTrip combines gamified play, augmented reality and AI. All our competitors deliver 1 or 2 of these angles. We deliver all 5.
AR treasure chest
A golden chest floats in front of the monument. Tap → opening animation → reveals a secret message.
AR narrator character
Point your phone at the façade: a knight, witch, monk, sailor, detective or ghost appears full-screen and speaks to you in your language with their dedicated ElevenLabs voice (each character has their own unique voice) — your living guide.
Magic golden letters
At the puzzle climax, golden letters magically write themselves on the real wall — that's the puzzle answer. An unforgettable visual effect.
Written + audio narration
Every puzzle available as text AND voice-over: read at your own pace or listen eyes-free while walking. Great in groups and for accessibility.
360° radar + vibration
A mini-radar shows the target even behind you, and the phone vibrates when you aim in the right direction.
Heritage storytelling
Every puzzle weaves in real historical facts (architecture, era, anecdotes). You learn by playing — like a gamified audioguide.
Progressive AI hints
3 levels of AI-generated help: vibe → where to look → answer format. You're never stuck.
AR selfie memento
At the end of the game, capture a selfie with OddballTrip banner + mascot, shareable on Instagram, TikTok.
Zero app to install
PWA technology: open the link, it plays in your browser. Same quality as an app, no App Store hassle.
Frequently asked questions
Q01What's the difference with a regular indoor escape room?
Outdoor escape game format: no physical locks, no actor, no fixed time slot. You start when you want, progress through Picton, Marlborough Sounds with your phone, and the city itself is the set. More immersive on local history, more flexible in pace.
Q02Can we take a break mid-trail?
Of course. Stop at a café, have lunch, resume later: your progress is saved. Many players bake a meal break into the trail, especially with families.
Q03Does Picton Harbour — Uncover the Soviet Wreck's Secret work for team-building?
Yes — it's actually one of our main use cases. Outdoor escape game format, teams of 4 to 6, live ranking possible between groups. For companies above 12 participants, contact us: we can issue linked codes.
Q04Is Picton Harbour — Uncover the Soviet Wreck's Secret stroller-accessible?
Depends on the exact route in Picton, Marlborough Sounds. The vast majority of stops are downtown, on sidewalks or squares. If a stair or narrow passage is involved, it's flagged on the product page. Generally: yes, doable with a standard urban stroller.
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Your turn to play
The clock is ticking. The fate of the submarine operation rests on you. Gather your team, sharpen your wits, and dive into the mysteries of the Marlborough Sounds. Finch's log awaits to reveal the truth.
1 purchase = 1 phone. Play several on the same device.
No calendar booking. Code sent immediately by email.
🔒Secure payment · Code in 5 min · Free cancellation
🪙+24 TripCoins granted with your booking
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