Water activity

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton

Top rated
4.7202644 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.7202644 out of 5 stars
454 reviews
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Water activity
Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton
Top rated
4.7202644 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.7202644 out of 5 stars
454 reviews

Enjoy a scenic afternoon cruise on a working mail boat. Join the skipper as they deliver post, groceries and freight to the residents that call the sound's waterways home.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 4 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

H
Hilary Jane – Australia

It offered a great insight into the lives of those living on Queen Charlotte Sound. Informative commentary. Comfortable trip

E
Elaine – New Zealand

It was informative as well as fun. Very helpful crew

Highlights

  • Deliver mail to the local residents
  • Admire wildlife and marine mammals
  • Learn the history of the Queen Charlotte Sound

Full description

Climb aboard the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound for a truly unique and interesting tour! Join in the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the New Zealand Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home.

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds. Admire Marlborough Sounds' magnificent scenery and take a glimpse into daily life in the remote outposts of this region. Operating from Monday to Saturday, no one day is the same.

The route changes daily, covering a different area and delivering the mail. During your cruise your skipper will provide interesting and informative commentary on the history of the Marlborough Sounds and the people who lived there then and now. Feel free to ask questions and keep your camera handy for any wildlife encounters.

Includes

  • Scenic cruise
  • Live commentary in English
  • Keep Cup for onboard tea and coffee ($6)

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Meeting point

Please meet at the Beachcomber Cruises Office. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Food and drinks
  • Sunscreen
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Closed-toe shoes

Know before you go

  • With a Keep Cup, you can fill up your cup with tea and coffee on board select departures
  • The boat used for the tour varies depending on the number of passengers. This can differ between a 9 seater single hulled boat or a 90 seater double storied catamaran.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 454 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
H
Hilary Jane – AustraliaMarch 16, 2025 – Verified booking
It offered a great insight into the lives of those living on Queen Charlotte Sound. Informative commentary. Comfortable trip
E
Elaine – New ZealandMarch 14, 2025 – Verified booking
It was informative as well as fun. Very helpful crew
A
Anne – United KingdomMarch 11, 2025 – Verified booking
Our guide made the whole trip really interesting lots of knowledge about the sound and inhabitants including wildlife.

Product ID: 179879

Activity provider:Beachcomber Cruises

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