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

4.7

240 Ratings

Picton

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: 1 day learn more

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

On-board restrooms
Live commentary on board

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 the captain distributes rural postal bags, groceries, and freight to the inhabitants of the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways.

Given ample time, the Mail Boat Cruise may briefly halt at a breathtaking location within the Queen Charlotte waterways, and chart your route to be revealed at the time of check-in.

Beachcomber Cruises keep cups are offered for purchase at $6 in the office prior to your departure. As a part of our environmental efforts, we abstain from using single-use cups on our vessels. Whenever you purchase a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup, you’re entitled to complimentary tea and coffee onboard throughout the tour.

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

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

(240 Ratings)

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Jane_t

Mar 28, 2024

Great way to spend a few hours in Picton. - This was a really fun and interesting adventure for 4 hours or so. The boat holds quite a few people (30+) between the top and bottom areas. but everyone moves around to get good pictures. The driver goes from cove to cove to deliver mail and packages to residents and resorts in these areas. The boat is met at the dock by the owners and sometimes their dogs too. For the most part the driver does not provide much commentary and even if he does, it was difficult to hear with all the people. That was fine--I did not take this tour for the commentary anyway. It's a great way to see the bay and how people live and would totally recommend this low key tour.

Review provided by Viator

Robynf888

Mar 24, 2024

Fabulous - I went out on the Friday’s 1.30pm Mail boat delivering Mail to the most off the grid, eclectic places and seeing the amazing Kiwis who live there Such a fabulous 4 hours following the Wellington bound Interislander ferry up the Tory channel, seeing the Salmon farms, Mussel farms and the old whaling station. Picked up some Queen Charlotte Track walkers on the way back at the Fumeaux Lodge then back down Endeavour Inlet. It’s Autumn, so I left Picton in a T shirt, then a jacket and then scarf and gloves. Such a beautiful place, both on land and sea. The staff were great also. Nothing was too much trouble for them A must for everyone to experience.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Bree_m

Mar 23, 2024

Beaitiful Afternoon of Memories - Plenty of seating on the top deck! Great views and excellent commentary along the way of the area history. Syopping in various island ports to drop mail and supplies a treat. Highly recommend!!

Review provided by Viator

Stevaroo

Mar 18, 2024

Great excursion. - Great fun. Extremely enjoyable cruise through the sound. Stopped first at Ship's Cover, where Cook spent so much time reprovisioning on several trips, It's a beautiful sight to spend some time. Saw some dolphins and tons of birds. recommended.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

925nigew

Mar 17, 2024

Cruise ship visit - Visited Picton on a cruise ship. Booked online for this tour, easy process. The meeting point is central, easy to board, plenty of seats, great commentary by captain. It’s amazing dropping mail into remote locations. Back in plenty of time to catch our cruise ship (shuttle bus was only 5 minutes walk from tour).

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Maria_l

Mar 16, 2024

Nice relaxing day with the beautiful scenery - Bring a hat and sunscreen. Windburn Lovely ladies at the office. Beautiful day Beds to have snacks onboard to buy

Review provided by Viator

Donna_r

Mar 13, 2024

Pristine waterways - Beautiful views of mountains and pristine sound , enjoyed the mail deliveries. Very enjoyable afternoon.

Review provided by Viator

Deborahann_a

Mar 25, 2024

Great afternoon on the open top deck - Packed a cooler with some wine and cheese and crackers, dressed in layers, then sat back and watched the beautiful scenery. Very cool to be able to get into the bays and see the isolated homes of the people who live there. The dogs coming down for their treats were so entertaining!

Review provided by Viator

Roberrt_r

Mar 23, 2024

Good trip, no refreshents on 5 hour cruise - Boat trip was excelent way to see the sound and the picturesque coves visited as the mail was delivered However the promised coffe did not appear and therewas no tie to buy one ay the only stop where we could disembark.

Review provided by Viator

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