Pelorus Sound Mail Run Cruise from Havelock
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Join the Pelorus Sound ‘sea postie’ on a full day Marlborough Sounds cruise onboard the Pelorus Mail Boat from Havelock. Delivering post since 1918, the Pelorus Mail Boat is a historic experience combining scenery, wildlife and local stories on a 5-6 hour cruise. Discover remote jetties and beaches as you cruise the Pelorus Sound mail boat’s route, with the chance to greet locals and furry friends along the way.
Pelorus Sound and Kenepuru Sound is the largest and most untouched part of the Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand’s South Island. Departing from Havelock Marlborough, the Pelorus mail run begins just a 30 minute drive from Blenheim or 1 hour from Nelson. After checking in at the Havelock Marina, embark on the Pelorus Mail Boat cruise to deliver mail, parcels and supplies to residents who live far off the beaten track.
Throughout the Pelorus Mail Boat cruise, the local crew offer a fascinating commentary on the history of the Marlborough Sounds and life in this far-flung area of New Zealand. Enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee onboard, while admiring the scenery and keeping an eye out for marine wildlife such as dolphins, penguins, seals and stingrays. At midday, the Pelorus Mail Boat makes a stop for lunch, so be sure to bring your own picnic to tuck into by a secluded bay or remote farm. Depending on the day’s delivery route, you may also have the chance to go on a beautiful bush walk, cruise past a king shag colony or visit a mussel farm.
Location
What you need to know
- Monday route (The Eastern): Black Point, Whatanihi, Inner Pelorus Sound, Nydia Bay, Hopewell Lodge, Jacobs Bay, Homewood, Hopai Bay, Crail Bay and Four Fathom Bay
- Wednesday route (The Western): Paradise Point, Nydia Bay, Northwest Bay, Tira Ora Bay, Wilson Bay, Maud Island, Jacobs Bay and Homewood
- Friday route (Outer Sounds): Inner Pelorus Sound, Pohuenui Island, Whakatahuri, Forsyth Island, Port Ligar, Bulwer, Homewood, Waitata Bay and Hopewell Lodge
- 5-6 hour Pelorus mail run
- Expert commentary from local crew
- Complimentary tea & coffee onboard
- Allow 6 hours
- Departs from Havelock Marina - Pier B
- Operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday all year
- All passengers need to check in at 9.30am for 10am departure time. This is to allow enough time for boarding and for the day's mail deliveries to get away on time.
- Does the mail boat operate in bad weather? The Marlborough Sounds is a very sheltered area so it is rare for the Pelorus Mail Boat not to operate. If the weather is not to your liking, you're welcome to change your booking to another date up to 24 hours prior to your sailing departure time. On the very rare occasion that we cancel a sailing due to bad weather, you will be offered the option of an alternate date or full refund.
- What are our lunch options? Bring your own lunch. Havelock has a number of great cafes, a bakery and a small supermarket where you can stock up before you board our cruise. We provide complimentary tea, coffee and water onboard.
- Child rates apply (5-15yrs)
- Infants (0-4yrs) travel free of charge
- Lunch is not included in this tour, please bring your own picnic lunch
- Please bring a packed lunch, sunscreen, hat, camera, a warm later & swimwear
- There are cafes, a bakery & supermarket in Havelock if you need to purchase picnic supplies beforehand
- Minimum numbers required for tour to go ahead
- Paid car park available when you arrive at Havelock Marina
- We do have partial wheelchair access. Some mobility is required and we appreciate prior notice. We can take a maximum of two wheelchairs per cruise.
- Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
