3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at daily life in the unique and isolated Marlborough Sounds as we deliver goods and passengers to far-flung jetties and corners of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui.

This 3-hour cruise is a great opportunity to see the Marlborough Sounds through the eyes of those who live and work here.

Discover places far from the nearest road, and maybe meet some of the locals who call this isolated and beautiful place home. Relax onboard our comfortable vessel as we deliver passengers and supplies to homes, secluded resorts and the Queen Charlotte Track, keeping an eye out for seals, penguins, dolphins, stingrays and rare sea birds.

Learn about the Marlborough Sounds’ history and natural world from your friendly skipper and crew, and enjoy free tea and coffee.  This cruise will take you to corners of the Sounds rarely seen by visitors – no cruise is ever the same.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in a majority of weather conditions, please dress appropriately

In the very rare event of the cruise being canceled due to extreme weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund

Children must be accompanied by an adult

The duration of cruise are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and weather condition

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Live commentary on board

Food and drinks (available for purchase on some cruises)

What To Expect

Queen Charlotte Sound

This 3.5 hour cruise is a great opportunity to see the Marlborough Sounds through the eyes of those who live and work here. Discover places far from the nearest road, and maybe meet some of the locals who call this isolated and beautiful place home. Relax onboard our comfortable vessel as we deliver passengers and supplies to homes, secluded resorts and the Queen Charlotte Track, keeping an eye out for seals, penguins, dolphins, stingrays and rare sea birds. Learn about the Marlborough Sounds’ history and natural world from your friendly skipper and crew, and enjoy free tea and coffee.  This cruise will take you to corners of the Sounds rarely seen by visitors – no cruise is ever the same. 

Admission Not Applicable

Options

3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise

Reviews

4.45

53 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Knowledgeable skipper and...
Malcolm S,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Knowledgeable skipper and amazing views. Great to hear some local history on our way round. Also lucky enough to see some dolphins
Magic Mail Run
Steve M,
Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
As boat owners, we don't normally pay for boat trips when on holiday 😀. I'm glad we made the mail drop cruise an exception. On our 4 hour cruise, we stopped at many Coves dropping off Mail and essential items (cartons of wine). We saw dolphins and seals (when visiting a salmon farm). We were also able to spend time at one of the Coves to explore the native bush. Our skipper was excellent 👏 and pointed out all of the points off interest 👏. All in all, a thoroughly interesting and informative cruise. When in Picton this must be on your must do list.
Try it. We thoroughly...
Tracy M,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Try it. We thoroughly enjoyed it, but wasn't what I was expecting. It was more of a taxi than mail run.
Do it! Great experience,...
Jenny c,
Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Do it! Great experience, commentary and chatter with local operators and residents of remote locations around the Sound. Huge pod of bottle nose dolphins playing with the boat was a real treat 😄
Great Trip
Wendy B,
May 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great trip, very knowledgeable captain and trainee captain Very friendly atmosphere Helped me as I was walking with a cane
Worth doing...But...
Chris H,
May 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Highlight was visiting Ships Cove for its historical significance. But if you can get a trip where you can get off there and check it out would be better. That said I was greatfull for the chance to visit the Cove! Otherwise and interesting few hours with no other highlights. Commentary was informed but no PA on the boat made it hard to hear skipper so had to go upfront and chat with him to get the detail.
Fun boat ride
knottyk3,
May 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
We enjoyed seeing the sounds and the resorts/little towns the boat stopped in. The sea was relatively calm this day, but I wouldn't recommend this trip when the seas are rough. We sat up top next to the captain and got more information about the area than was shared on the intercom just by listening to him talk with others.
The best experience
kaylener2019,
Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Was a wonderful experience. Captain and crew were great. Scenery amazing. The whole booking to trip was easy. Thank you all.
So many dolphins.
Paul L,
Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Hold on to your hats. I lost mine when the boat got going. First hour was point to point and then multiple stops coming back to the wharf. Skipper was great to chat to and the highlight was coming across a huge pod of dolphins. We stopped for about 10 minutes with the dolphins playing all around us and then they followed us for quite a while when we started moving again. Thanks for a great day.
Front row seats to the coming and goings.
jehrler,
Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was punctual and well run. The boat was delivering and picking up people, packages, and luggage to the resorts and trail heads. The day started out threatening weather but cleared up beautifully. We saw so many unique inlets and heard a nice narrative about the surroundings and points of interest. At times we were the only ones on the boat and at other times it was quite full. The logistics were fascinating to watch and the scenery was beautiful. We sat outside in the back enjoying the sun, clouds, and breeze - drinking it all in.