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. Please bring packed lunch
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
(333 Ratings)
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Marie_m
Mar 30, 2026
It is a very great way to... - It is a very great way to see all the bays , with a friendly captain and staff. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and would recomend it to anyone.
Review provided by Viator
Janet_l
Mar 7, 2026
Just do it! - Just book it! It is an amazing day out on the water with the most stunning scenery, fab commentary and magical place for lunch! Best value for money and such special memories!
Review provided by Viator
Rachel_d
Mar 5, 2026
An outstanding day out! - We loved the Mailboat experience! The scenery was fabulous, and it was fascinating to see how people live out in the Sounds and to feel a part of the experience. The Wilson Bay Farm tour was excellent - really genuine and engaging. It was interesting to learn about the Mussel farming too. It felt like a really authentic experience - the best boat tour we did in New Zealand (and we did quite a few)! Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Carole_c
Feb 26, 2026
Great Day - We had a splendid day. Took a packed lunch that we had at the farm stop. There is also the option of lunch at the lodge next door. Pelorus Sound is magnificent and visiting all the isolated communities to deliver mail and groceries is very interesting. Thank you Ross and Mark for a very professional and fun cruise.
Review provided by Viator
Clare_t
Feb 22, 2026
Fab day on the Mail Boat - Full day out on the post boat. Ross was fab at explaining about the Mussel farms and general life in the Sounds. Visited several jetties to drop off mail/groceries/fuel etc!! Couple of scenic stops and lunch at stunning Te Rawa . Definitely recommend as a different way to spend the day and see the stunning Pelorus Sound from a different perspective
Review provided by Viator
Rayperu
Feb 19, 2026
A Sound with a difference. - Although we have been on Doubtful and Charlotte Sounds, this is different as, being a mail boat as well, it is an ideal way to see and talk with people actually living on the Sound. They call in at direct coves depending on where mail/parcels are delivered. Ross and Mark gave us lots of information. The highlight was when we stopped for our picnic lunch at Wilson Bay Farm. The wife - can't remember her name - talked to us about her daily living at this remote beautiful place. All in all, a great day out and can highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Clairebq7478zx
Feb 14, 2026
Best Sounds experience - Fabulous trip. Our friendly hosts had heaps of local knowledge and told us very entertaining stories. Highly recommend for a slice of life in the Sounds as well as beautiful scenery and wildlife. We opted for the farm talk at lunchtime and that was also very interesting with a real insight into how they live and work so remotely.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cosimo_c
Feb 10, 2026
Great day on the water - Bring a jacket if sitting upstairs wind can be cold also if can bring a packed lunch you can have it at the farm stop.
Review provided by Viator
Mearsfamily
Feb 9, 2026
Fantastic scenic experience - Absolutely loved this trip. It wasn’t what I expected initially as it’s a pretty big boat with 50+ people but it was fabulous. A real highlight. We were really lucky with the weather as I think it might not be as much fun if it’s wet but it’s so scenic and something really different to do. We did the Monday run and took a picnic so we could do the farm tour and sit on the beach. You can also eat at the restaurant which was expected prices. Kelly did a great talk at the farm. Fascinating to hear about rural life for us from London! We were out for 6.5 hours and we were so impressed with the pace and the commentary. Emma and Mark were brilliant. Would thoroughly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Departure47467406966
Apr 12, 2026
Glorious day on the water - A glorious day on the water! Experienced crew and well-presented boat. Saw dolphins up close! A real bonus! Farm talk by Kelly was very informative - she has an infectious smile!! One minor criticism - chairs to sit at while waiting for 30 minutes for boarding and a coffee cart nearby would be a real plus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $82
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).