It lived up to our expectations!! Our friends were right !! - We were so lucky to have flat calm conditions. We were prepared to get sea spray as we like being on deck. Didn't need our parkas. We almost got too hot !! Puffa jackets were good in a bit of breeze on the way back. Sun block and sun glasses essential. The commentary was fantastic : information about all the stopping/delivery points, the environment and the sea. A huge bonus towards the end of the journey was a pod of maybe 20 dolphins in a feeding frenzy. Seabirds everywhere.

Amazing day out. - Had an amazing day on the mail boat today, the staff, Bill and Linda? were so friendly and couldn’t be more helpful. The trip started by going to a lookout point for a short time, then on to have lunch at Te Rawa lodge, which was all ordered in advance and came out fresh, with amazing views too. Then onto a sheep farm, and across the water to another farm, walking round the huge, well maintained gardens with the owner. The boat was comfortable, had a small bar, and clean toilets, all in all a highly recommended trip.

Mailboat trip provided a glimpse of what it’s like to live in a beautiful but remote setting. - We really enjoyed our trip. The highlight was Mark’s commentary as we went along, including the history and operation of the mussel farms plus descriptions of the lives of those who live remotely and who rely on the Mailboat. The boat was well set up with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Tea and coffee on tap all day. The lunch stop at Te Rawe worked well. We took our own lunch but there were facilities for us to eat in comfort.

Fantastic excursion through the Lawn Sound - Fantastic discovery of the Sound as the mail is delivered. The crew gathers anecdotes and exciting information about the place, wildlife, history, geology. The scenery is breathtaking, and seeing in the same outing penguins, seals, kunekune and dolphins is amazing. I highly recommend!

Amazing day out. - Remember to take your lunch & warm clothing, fabulous day, Mark & Ross were amazing hosts, so lucky to see a pod of bottlenose dolphins. Ross's commentary of the history & knowledge of the area was excellent.

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

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.

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!

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..

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!