Highlights

Off the beaten track in Marlborough Sounds
Deliver mail on the famous Mail Boat from Picton
Informative commentary on the history of the waterways
Look out for dolphins, fur seals & wildlife

Description

Take yourself off the beaten track in Marlborough Sounds and visit some of its hidden gems onboard the Mail Boat Cruise from Picton. In Queen Charlotte Sound, mail has been delivered by boat to the waterways’ most rural residents for over 150 years. While the Mail Boat vessel fulfils its duties of transporting post, groceries and freight, you can jump onboard for a unique tour of Queen Charlotte Sound / TÅtaranui.

Queen Charlotte Sound is located on the eastern side of Marlborough Sounds, well known for its beautiful coastline, pristine waters and abundance of wildlife. With different routes taken each day to span the entirety of Queen Charlotte Sounds’ waterways, the Mail Boat Cruise with Beachcomber Cruises is a one of a kind experience. Sit back, relax and take in the scenery while your local Beachcomber Cruises skipper provides an interesting commentary about the history of Queen Charlotte Sound and its residents - both people and wildlife!

Throughout your tour with Beachcomber Cruises, you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, fur seals and maybe even orcas & whales (seasonal). You can also look out for a range of native birds, such as the Little Blue Penguin, while you cruise through the pristine waterways of Queen Charlotte Sound. So be sure to take your camera with you to capture these wildlife encounters with excellent viewing from onboard Beachcomber Cruises’ Mail Boat vessel. If time allows, you might even stop off at a scenic location along the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways before returning to Picton.

Trip Includes

Half day cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound
Join the Mail Boat on its delivery route
Informative & interesting commentary

Duration

Allow 5 hours

Departures

1:30pm
Departs from the Waterfront Corner of London Quay & Wellington Street, Picton
Operates Monday to Saturday all year

Other Information

Child rates apply (5-14yrs)
Infants (0-4yrs) travel free of charge
Tea & coffee available to purchase prior to your departure with a $5 keep cup
Route changes daily, you will be advised of your route upon check in
Please bring a camera, snacks, water, comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses & money
You can leave large pieces of luggage at the office while on the cruise

Normal Retail Prices

Adult: NZD$122.00
Child (5-14yrs): NZD$78.00

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All prices shown in NZD$.

Genuine Customer Reviews powered by

Service rating:

Everything NZ are reliable and I recommend you book your day trips or package with them. They answered all my questions so I wasn't worried about whether I could cancel a few days before.

Product rating:

This was a great cruise around Queen Charlotte Sound delivering mail, groceries, wine, online shopping to the remote residents as there are no roads connecting them to Picton. Darryl was the Captain and he was very knowledgeable about the area as he had grown up around the Sound, even lived in one of the small villages. We went almost out to where it meets Cook Strait. The weather was sunny and clear and that made the trip all the more enjoyable and great photos were taken. The Dusky Dolphins came up to the boat to say hello, and they raced behind surfing the wake. I recommend the Pucton Mailboat Cruise.

Reviewed 31-Aug-2025

Service rating:

Everything NZ are reliable and I recommend you book your day trips or package with them. They answered all my questions so I wasn't worried about whether I could cancel a few days before.

Product rating:

This was a great cruise around Queen Charlotte Sound delivering mail, groceries, wine, online shopping to the remote residents as there are no roads connecting them to Picton. Darryl was the Captain and he was very knowledgeable about the area as he had grown up around the Sound, even lived in one of the small villages. We went almost out to where it meets Cook Strait. The weather was sunny and clear and that made the trip all the more enjoyable and great photos were taken. The Dusky Dolphins came up to the boat to say hello, and they raced behind surfing the wake. I recommend the Pucton Mailboat Cruise.

Reviewed 27-Nov-2024

Service rating:

What a fantastic way to see the Sounds & the Skipper gave us very comprehensive information on the area. Stopping off at many outlying places & especially to the two farming families was so interesting. The weather of course really made it a wonderful day out.

Product rating:

Great way to see the Sounds & see these outlying small communities

Reviewed 23-Feb-2023

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Reviews (3)

Highlights

Description

Trip Includes

Duration

Departures

Other Information

Normal Retail Prices

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