Pelorus Mail Boat Tour: Explore Marlborough Sounds

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.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Kenepuru Sound - 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
  • Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
Additional Information
  • 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/
Location
Pelorus Mail Boat Ltd
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(312 Ratings)
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Richard_b
Apr 8, 2025
Very pleasant day on the... - Very pleasant day on the waters of the sounds with great commentary and onteresting time with Kelly Foot and co
Review provided by Viator
Chch1952
Mar 27, 2025
Great Day Out in the Sounds. - I did this trip many years ago and did it again earlier in March. It was a great day even though the weather was average - a bit rainy and not that warm. I had the seafood chowder for lunch at Te Rewa Lodge, which I thoroughly recommend. The on board commentary was first class too. All in all it was a great day and strongly recommend people to schedule it into their travel plans.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracey_k
Feb 16, 2025
Would highly recommend - Such an awesome experience getting to cruise around lots of little bays in the sounds. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful day on the water
Review provided by Viator
Nzkiwigal
Feb 8, 2025
Awesome trip! - Great commentary. Various stops to drop off mail to the locals and to drop off and pick up locals. A short walk in the bush and an hour or so at the Wilson family farm that's been in the family since 1881 or a choice to go to a restaurant at the next door prperty. We saw mussel farms and a salmon farm up close. Also fur seals and a playful pod of dolphins. The dolphins were the highlight of the trip. 6 hours later we arrived back at the pier. A thoroughly enjoyable day. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tony_l
Feb 6, 2025
Go on the trip you’ll really enjoy it. - Excellent communication from crew.We loved the whole trip.Weather wasn’t the best but enough seats inside as it got very cold on the top deck.
Review provided by Viator
Cpfc1984
Feb 5, 2025
Great experience - Great day out on the pelorus Mail boat visiting lots of places and a great lunch at the Te Rawa Lodge . Kelsey and Mark were great hosts very informative Kelsey is a great skipper and Mark does a good sideshow on selling books Calendars and more importantly Alcohol a must for everyone visiting Havelock
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zeev_s
Feb 4, 2025
The mailboat cruise was... - The mailboat cruise was an extraordinary experience and a unique opportunity to get to know life around Pelorus Sound. At the various stops for receiving and delivering mail and packages, you can understand a little more about how life is around the water, from relatively isolated people. The meeting with a family that lives there, raised children and makes a living from raising sheep, is a unique experience. The mailboat tour is highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_g
Apr 23, 2025
Saturday on the Mailboat - It is a long day, but we saw beautiful fjord estuaries as we traveled from stop to stop. It was fun to be greeted by dock dogs as we made each delivery. A small child running around the boat throughout the day was tiring. Our weather was great!
Review provided by Viator
Lorenznelson
Feb 25, 2025
A wonderful day out - We learned so much on this trip....about native frogs, Wilding pine eradication, different dolphin species, and more. The only criticism was the lower cabin seats. We both ended up with neck aches..! All in all, a great day out exploring the Sounds..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C_star1234567879
Feb 25, 2025
Go, but NOT if the weather isn't perfect! - This would be a fabulous trip IF the weather is warm and sunny. We didn't check the forecast before we booked (our fault) and it rained all day, which would not be a problem except that the boat is so keen to make money they fill every seat. So there were no indoor seats left, which meant we and half our fellow passengers sat in the rain and wind for hours! Either that or stand downstairs for 6 hours! So in poor weather all this is, is a VERY expensive way to catch flu... It seems also that the 'spectacular NZ wildlife' you are going to see doesn't like the rain either. We didn't see a single penguin, seal or dolphin. This is not uncommon, speaking to some of our fellow passengers who have done the trip before. So take that claim with a pinch of salt! Also, they only visit the King Shag colony one day of the week which is not made clear when you book. They also say no alcohol to be brought on board which we assumed was because it's a working boat. But no, it's because they want to make even more money selling you theirs. So, if the forecast guarantees great weather and 'all' you want is marvellous scenery, then do go on this trip. It would be fantastic and the commentary by the crew - esp Kelsey - it informative and funny. But don't go to see wildlife. And definitely don't go if there is even a slight chance of rain!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $85
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).