Queen Charlotte Mail Boat Cruise: Experience Authentic New Zealand Post Delivery Service

Experience the authentic New Zealand post delivery service on the Queen Charlotte Mail Boat Cruise. Join us as we deliver mail, groceries, and freight to the residents of Queen Charlotte Sound. Don’t miss this unique tour!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Food
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

For more than 150 years, mail has been transported via boat in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, a service we are proud to be the sole officially sanctioned New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound, rendering this tour truly unparalleled!
Join us on the Mail Boat Cruise to partake in the thrilling routine of Mail Day, as…

Location
1 London Quay
London Quay
Please meet us at the Beachcomber Cruises Office on the waterfront - the Corner of Wellington Street and London Quay, we are a black building with Blue Signage.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(256 Ratings)
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Markrn7582ml
Dec 22, 2024
An excellent way to explore the Queen Charlotte Sound. - Despite the weather being a bit overcast, we had a very enjoyable trip and the staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw dusky and common dolphins and learnt a lot about the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Craigsf8688lx
Dec 1, 2024
A must do trip in Picton - Great trip had good weather great photos. Mailboat is modern and comfortable family firm. They look after you well. A must do if you are in Picton
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_c
Nov 20, 2024
Great Way To See The Area. - The skipper shared his knowledge of the area, with little fun facts. A lovely way to spend an enjoyable few hours.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_m
Nov 19, 2024
Great afternoon on the water. - If you want a trip around Marlborough Sound, this is the perfect way to get on the water. The captain provided lots of interesting commentary on all aspects of life in the area. In the summer months, the boat could be crowded and might not be as enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Joycewo1139la
Nov 12, 2024
Mail Boat Cruise - my thoughts - Was a very wet afternoon but our trip was amaising. We saw dolphin's, dropped off mail & groceries to several stops along the way. Had great commentary along the way, then the sun returned on our way back to Picton. Was really worth while doing this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christopher_b
Nov 9, 2024
Just liked the experience... - Just liked the experience Dusky dolphins plus the knowledge of the skipper on the history of the region
Review provided by Viator
John_r
Nov 8, 2024
Mail boat experience. - Our skipper was a born Kiwi who provided interesting info understandably. It was a great experience! Saw many dolphins!
Review provided by Viator
Deniser1798
Oct 29, 2024
Picton Mail Run - We had such a fantastic day! It was pouring rain, we were only able to do part of the mail run due to a technical issue with the boat! Skipper Dillan took us to a cafe/restaurant! There was an awesome Blues singer/pool table and beer! What more do you need when things don't go to plan! We got to see dolphins and 2 dogs meet the boat to collect mail! They sent another boat to pick us up with a new skipper Greg! Highly recommend this company! Both skippers were entertaining and kept us informed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donald
Nov 18, 2024
Fun and informative tour of remote bays and coves - This was a fun and interesting way to spend an afternoon in the beautiful waterway Queen Charlotte Sound. The weather was perfect and that enabled us to enjoy the fresh air along with the gorgeous scenery. The skipper's commentary was interesting and informative. He had spent his entire working life on the water here and his skill in manouvering the boat into a position to drop and pick up mail bags was impressive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Genfrancis
Nov 19, 2024
Maybe we were unlucky on this trip. Beautiful scenery but no opportunity to explore the islands - Beautiful scenery through the Malborough Sounds. We expected to be able to stretch our legs a few times and visit a few of the islands but were told that there was not enough time. We picked up quite a few walkers and that took some time to get them loaded. If this was the reason that we did not get to experience setting foot on the islands then it would have been much better to be running 2 separate services. I thought it was cool to be part of the mail delivery service and see how people interacted with it, However, In hindsight I would have booked a cruise if I knew this before. The captain/postie clearly knew is stuff and when we could hear him it was interesting but it was almost impossible to hear when on the top of the boat, outside enjoying the views
Review provided by Viator
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
January 2025
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