Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Join this guided full day tour in the historic Pelorus Mail Boat as it delivers mail, groceries, freight, and people to this stunning and remote inland waterway. The people living here have no road access and no mains electricity. A real-life cruise providing an essential service to the residents of the largest part of the Marlborough Sounds.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Please review and acknowledge our Swimming Waiver on our website before participating in any swimming activities. https://www.themailboat.co.nz/about-us/swimming-waiver/
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kenepuru Sound
Tour the largest and remotest part of the Marlborough Sounds from Havelock, delivering mail, groceries and freight to remote residents
Pelorus Mail Boat
Tour the largest and remotest part of the Marlborough Sounds from Havelock, delivering mail, groceries and freight to remote residents
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Live commentary on board
Coffee and/or Tea
Food and drinks, unless specified
Options
Monday Mail Run
The Eastern Route: Black Point, Whatanihi, Inner Pelorus, Nydia Bay, Hopewell Lodge, Jacobs Bay, Homewood, Hopai, Crail Bay & Four Fathoms Bays
Saturday Mail Run
Saturday Mail Run
Friday Mail Run
Outer Pelorus Sound
Wednesday Mail Run
The Western Route: Includes Paradise Point, Nydia, Northwest, Tira Ora and Wilson Bays, Maud Island, Jacobs and Homewood Bays
Reviews
324 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day on the water
Cosimo C,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring a jacket if sitting upstairs wind can be cold also if can bring a packed lunch you can have it at the farm stop.
Fantastic scenic experience
mearsfamily,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely loved this trip. It wasn’t what I expected initially as it’s a pretty big boat with 50+ people but it was fabulous. A real highlight. We were really lucky with the weather as I think it might not be as much fun if it’s wet but it’s so scenic and something really different to do. We did the Monday run and took a picnic so we could do the farm tour and sit on the beach. You can also eat at the restaurant which was expected prices. Kelly did a great talk at the farm. Fascinating to hear about rural life for us from London! We were out for 6.5 hours and we were so impressed with the pace and the commentary. Emma and Mark were brilliant. Would thoroughly recommend.
Awesome day in the Sounds.
Valerie E,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ross the captain was a very knowledgeable man and made the day with all his narratives. You would be amazed with the amount of homes in the sounds.
Mail Boat Cruise
Heather H,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day out. Interesting to see people living so remotely. The Boat crew were friendly and helpful. We had to change the day we booked, not a problem. Loved the dogs, goats, and the big fat pig that greeted the boat.
Great Day out
Alison P,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well worth doing to gain a glimpse of rural NZ in remote places,along with a service provided for those people
Pelorous Friday Boat Run
Y7628JJscottl,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, highly recommended, knowledgeable crew & gorgeous scenery! Touch of animal feeding & delivery of actual mail very interesting!
It lived up to our expectations!! Our friends were right !!
Rob R,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were so lucky to have flat calm conditions. We were prepared to get sea spray as we like being on deck. Didn't need our parkas. We almost got too hot !! Puffa jackets were good in a bit of breeze on the way back. Sun block and sun glasses essential. The commentary was fantastic : information about all the stopping/delivery points, the environment and the sea. A huge bonus towards the end of the journey was a pod of maybe 20 dolphins in a feeding frenzy. Seabirds everywhere.
Amazing day out.
carolcM4927QS,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing day on the mail boat today, the staff, Bill and Linda? were so friendly and couldn’t be more helpful. The trip started by going to a lookout point for a short time, then on to have lunch at Te Rawa lodge, which was all ordered in advance and came out fresh, with amazing views too. Then onto a sheep farm, and across the water to another farm, walking round the huge, well maintained gardens with the owner. The boat was comfortable, had a small bar, and clean toilets, all in all a highly recommended trip.
Mailboat trip provided a glimpse of what it’s like to live in a beautiful but remote setting.
F652QXcarolf,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our trip. The highlight was Mark’s commentary as we went along, including the history and operation of the mussel farms plus descriptions of the lives of those who live remotely and who rely on the Mailboat. The boat was well set up with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Tea and coffee on tap all day. The lunch stop at Te Rawe worked well. We took our own lunch but there were facilities for us to eat in comfort.
Fantastic excursion through the Lawn Sound
725quentind,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic discovery of the Sound as the mail is delivered. The crew gathers anecdotes and exciting information about the place, wildlife, history, geology. The scenery is breathtaking, and seeing in the same outing penguins, seals, kunekune and dolphins is amazing. I highly recommend!
From NZ$140.00
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