Water activity

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton

4.7  / 5252 reviews
Activity provider:Beachcomber Cruises
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Water activity

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton

Activity provider:Beachcomber Cruises
4.7  / 5252 reviews

From £54.64 per person

Eco-certified
This activity, attraction, or activity provider has been certified eco-friendly by a third-party agency. GetYourGuide works with organizations from all over the world to bring you tours and activities that support sustainable practices.

Enjoy a scenic afternoon cruise on a working mail boat to share the excitement of Mail Day. Join the skipper as they deliver post, groceries and freight to the residents that call the sound's waterways home.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 4 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Deliver mail to the local residents and say 'hi' to the kids waiting for their schoolwork
  • Admire wildlife and marine mammals like New Zealand Fur Seals and visiting dolphins
  • Learn the history of the Queen Charlotte Sound and its residents from your friendly skipper
  • Step ashore at Ship Cove, a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook's, during the summer months
Full description
Climb aboard the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound for a truly unique and interesting tour! Join in the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the New Zealand Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home. The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds. Admire Marlborough Sounds' magnificent scenery and take a glimpse into daily life in the remote outposts of this region. Operating from Monday to Saturday, no one day is the same. The route changes daily, covering a different area and delivering the mail. During your cruise your skipper will provide interesting and informative commentary on the history of the Marlborough Sounds and the people who lived there then and now. Feel free to ask questions and keep your camera handy for any wildlife encounters.
Includes
  • Scenic cruise
  • Live commentary in English
  • Keep Cup ($6)
Not suitable for
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Please meet at the Beachcomber Cruises Office. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Food and drinks
  • Sunscreen
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Closed-toe shoes

Know before you go

  • The stop at Ship Cove is only available during the summer months (October 1 to April 30)
  • With a Keep Cup, you can fill up your cup with tea and coffee on board select departures

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 252 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    4.9/5
  • Organization
    5/5

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G
GetYourGuide traveler 19 November 2023 – Verified booking
This was a great experience to participate in. Jason, our guide, shared his passion and the need for the restoration of the native vegetation across the islands. It was really encouraging to hear of the commendable efforts of the local groups to endeavour to eradicate the introduced pines and feral pests in order to restore both the quality of the water and the native flora and fauna. The craft had expansive glass for viewing as well as upper deck, and tea and coffee facilities. An interesting, novel, and easy accessible event. Very enjoyable. Thanks
Helpful?
A
Andrea – New Zealand6 October 2023 – Verified booking
The guide and Skipper Jason was incredibly good. His knowledge of the area and wildlife was outstanding and so was his historical commentary. We saw so much wildlife and the Sounds are utterly beautiful. I have done this trip three times now and it thrills me every time.
Helpful?
P
Patricia – United States9 April 2023 – Verified booking
Our afternoon on the mail boat was one of the best things we did on our 5-week Aus/NZ adventure. Our skipper, Jason, was outstanding, an enthusiastic educator about the Queen Charlotte Sound and its wildlife and environment. We learned so much and encountered so many dolphins! Highly recommend!
Helpful?

Product ID: 179879

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