Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound making this a truly unique tour!
Come along on the Mail Boat Cruise and share the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home.
If time allows the Mail Boat Cruise will take a short stop at one of the brilliant locations within the Queen Charlotte waterways, you route will shown upon check in.
Available to purchase for $6 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to consume on board
Closed-toe walking shoes suitable for walking are recommended
Not accessible for motorized wheelchairs
Please Note: The stop at Ship Cove only occurs during Summer months of 1st Oct to 30th April
We are not able to pick up / drop off at the Cruise Ship Terminal - you must make your way to our booking office
Please note that this tour departs sharply on schedule at 1:30pm
The boat used for the tour can vary from a smaller 9 seater to a 99 seater catamaran and is not guaranteed
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Commentary on board
Restroom on board
Food
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Queen Charlotte Sound
Cruise through the tranquil waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sound, see wildlife and native flora and fauna along the way
Options
Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise
Reviews
278 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
My birthday outing
Mark M,
Aug 25, 2025
- Viator
4.00My partner & I enjoyed the cruise. The day started off cloudy in the morning but it was lovely & sunny for the afternoon cruise. It was good to go to different bays/coves delivering the mail with good commentary too. Took a lot of nice photos & videos of the beautiful scenery
Fun day
dawn w,
Mar 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fun way to see the sound. Beautiful views along the way. Boat was very crowded, and despite the Captains request for those up top to switch places half way with those downstairs no one did. Also the ones who got the top deck would stand along the edges but not give up their seats. Not. reflection on company, It was fun despite the rather rude group. Try to snag the seats outside on the bag of the boat. if upstairs is full
Up close and personal with Charlotte Sound
David C,
Feb 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great way to see the sound up close and personal. The commentary gives a great insight into the area and the isolation of those living on the sound.
Great cruise round the sounds - good value
Peter J,
Feb 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great way to see Marlborough Sounds and catch a glimpse of how the remote communities live. Very enjoyable- the skipper provided an interesting commentary. Highly recommend
Deb Leonie Cyn Maiboat Tour
Cynthia A,
Jan 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was an awesome experience. Highly recommend this activity. The boat captain was very informative & we learned a lot about the Marlborough Sounds. It’s a beautiful part of the world & a great place to visit
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Operated by Beachcomber Cruises