Marlborough Sounds Mail Boat Cruise from Picton
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Hop aboard a genuine licensed mailboat and cruise through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound of Marlborough, learning about the region and delivering mail! On this cruise through an incredibly scenic part of New Zealand, you'll depart from the port of Picton at 1:30pm on a journey to not only take in all the wonderful fiord-style greenery, but to join the skipper in delivering the mail to the families that live at areas dotted throughout the Sound. Relax and enjoy the detailed onboard commentary documenting the history and geography of the Queen Charlotte Sound and the Marlborough region as a whole, while taking in local sights such as the Perano Whaling Station, the historic Ship Cove - a favourite stop of Captain James Cook - and various other vessels plying their trade amongst the waters.
Be sure to keep an eye out for marine and bird life - including dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals - along the way; bring your camera as you'll have some great photo opportunities to take in! Lasting roughly 4 hours, this is a scenic and great value way to take in Queen Charlotte Sound while enjoying an insightful look at local lifestyles and sure to be a highly memorable cruise in the Marlborough region.
Location
What you need to know
- 4 Hour Cruise around Queen Charlotte Sounds
- Delivering mail to the local residents; say hi to the kids waiting for their school work
- View the resident wildlife and marine mammals such as New Zealand Fur Seals and visiting dolphins
- Learn the history of Queen Charlotte Sound and its residents from your friendly skipper
- Come along with us on the Mail Boat Cruise and share 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
- Keep your camera handy for any wildlife encounters!
- Summer Schedule: Departs Monday to Saturday at 1.30pm and returns at approximately 5:30pm
- Winter Schedule: Departs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1.30pm and returns approximately 5:00pm
- Please note during the winter due to a lesser number of deliveries and passenger drop-offs, the Mail Boat can sometimes return up to an hour earlier as travelling distances are reduced but you will still get the same great commentary
- Corner of London Quay and, Wellington St, Picton 7250, New Zealand
- Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure.
- Child prices are valid for ages 5-14 years inclusive, infants travel free of charge with an adult.
- The cruise route of the sounds varies depending on the day you are booking, we recommend all guests check into the office 30 minutes prior to departure and our reservations team will confirm todays cruise route with you
- 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
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
