Mail Boat Cruise in Queen Charlotte Sound

Take yourself off the beaten track in Marlborough Sounds and visit some of its hidden gems onboard the Mail Boat Cruise from Picton. In Queen Charlotte Sound, mail has been delivered by boat to the waterways’ most rural residents for over 150 years. While the Mail Boat vessel fulfils its duties of transporting post, groceries and freight, you can jump onboard for a unique tour of Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui.

Queen Charlotte Sound is located on the eastern side of Marlborough Sounds, well known for its beautiful coastline, pristine waters and abundance of wildlife. With different routes taken each day to span the entirety of Queen Charlotte Sounds’ waterways, the Mail Boat Cruise with Beachcomber Cruises is a one of a kind experience. Sit back, relax and take in the scenery while your local Beachcomber Cruises skipper provides an interesting commentary about the history of Queen Charlotte Sound and its residents - both people and wildlife!

Throughout your tour with Beachcomber Cruises, you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, fur seals and maybe even orcas & whales (seasonal). You can also look out for a range of native birds, such as the Little Blue Penguin, while you cruise through the pristine waterways of Queen Charlotte Sound. So be sure to take your camera with you to capture these wildlife encounters with excellent viewing from onboard Beachcomber Cruises’ Mail Boat vessel. If time allows, you might even stop off at a scenic location along the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways before returning to Picton.