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 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
What‘s Included
Commentary on board
Restroom on board
Food
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise
Reviews
295 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exceptional customer service and experience!
H2621OOhollyt,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous experience from start to finish. All the of the staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The skipper was outstanding - very knowledgeable and welcoming. Highly recommend!
Nice relaxing cruise in...
Ron H,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice relaxing cruise in the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. Good informative Captain of the history of the area. Inside and outside seating. Clean tidy Catamaran.
Terrific afternoon on the mail run.
Brenda T,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful commentary by the skipper. We thoroughly enjoyed going to the different drop off points.
Surprising, Spectacular and Fun
Donna H,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An afternoon watching how those that live in various areas of the sound get their deliveries as a result of no roads. Daryl our skipper was amazing. Having grown up in the area his commentary was interesting and informative and delivered in a fun and engaging manner. It was amazing to see the day to day operations of this vital cog of industry in this magnificent part of New Zealand. I’d highly recommend it
A Great Tour of Queen Charlotte Sound
acsno8,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paid for the tour well in advance , I thought the mail boat trip looked to provide the best cruising option of Queen Charlotte Sound . The check in crew answered all our questions and gave us an idea of the mail drops and the route . Greg our skipper provided a lot of information and took us to Ships Cove before the mail drops started . Tea and coffee available on board . Perfect trip , perfect weather couldn’t have gone better.
A nice and original experience
zitavskeho,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The boat delivers the mail at places which can only be reached by boat and it is thanks to accepting tourists that this activity can continue to exist. It is quite fascinating to see how some people live remotely (with some very nice houses). The skipper provides some good explanations all along the way. Do not forget to bring your own cup to benefit from the tea and coffee on board. This was a nice experience, especially with good weather and you get a much better insight on the Sounds
The captain was very...
Brent P,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The captain was very informative, the staff were really friendly and the cruise was awesome . Well worth the money
A fabulous trip with...
malcolm r,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A fabulous trip with great views and commentary. A great way to see the Sound and understand the environment.
Great way to spend a sunny day on Marlborough sound on the water
Debra T,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful sunny day. Dillon was a great guide and was fun seeing each mail stop. The commentary about salmon farms and the resorts was informative.
Worth taking the cruise!!!
C1057WUfrankb,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ticket office very easy going and helpful. Some 4h of cruise. Pilot very easy going with really good commentary too. Comfortable seating in open or covered. Hot water with tea / coffee but you must take your own receptacle ☕️. Views spectacular!
From NZ$122.00
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Operated by Beachcomber Cruises