mail boat trip from picton

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Picton’s Mail Boat Delivery Run – Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough sounds mail boat cruise beachcomber cruises.

Join Beachcomber Cruises on The Magic Mail Run, the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural delivery service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound. This is our most popular trip and a great way to explore the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Share the excitement of mail day as we cruise the Queen Charlotte Sounds and deliver mail and groceries to the families that live in these beautiful, remote places. 

Magic Mail Boat Run – Marlborough Sounds most popular cruise

Picton’s mail boat delivery cruise – queen charlotte sounds.

Join us at Beachcomber Cruises for this unique cruise, sit back and relax with a complimentary tea or coffee and if the sea air makes you hungry feel free to bring your own food and beverages on-board. There is nothing quite like sea air, sunshine and good company to increase your appetite! Return to Picton at approximately 5.30pm.

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Booking for Picton’s Mail Boat Delivery Run – Marlborough Sounds

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We take great pleasure in offering you a selection of boat trips & track walks through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track.

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Family owned & operated

Beachcomber Cruises has been a family owned and operated business since 2006. Owned by Tony & Margaret with daughters Jessica and Lora in management and daily operations. Beachcomber Cruises have nine vessels operating throughout the Queen Charlotte Sound. The boats in our fleet vary in size and can cater for groups, functions and weddings. We also offer a range of cruises including our New Zealand Post  Mail Run and a  private water taxi service operating under the Picton Water Taxis brand.

Beachcomber Notices

A proposal for a shared pathway queen charlotte track – summer 2023/2024 track rider access trial.

The proposal will open the full length of the track to all users during the peak period from December 1st, 2023, to February 28th 2024, offering a shared pathway for both riders and walkers. This trial specifically opens the Meretoto/Ship Cove to Camp Bay section of the track for this summer season which has previously been closed to bikers.

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Get close and personal with one of the most beautiful spots in the world. The Queen Charlotte Track or walkway as it is known is one of the top ten and finest coastal walking tracks in New Zealand.

At Beachcomber Cruises we have a number of walk options to make your trip hassle free. Whether it be a one day walk, just a couple of sections of the Queen Charlotte Track or you wish to complete the entire 70 kms.

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• Magic Mail Run Marlborough Sounds Cruise

Duration about 4 hours

Pricing From $117

Embark on a trip of a lifetime and join the Beachcomber Mail Boat in Picton to discover the stunning Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand on this highly popular Magic Mail Run cruise! As Queen Charlotte Sound’s only rural delivery service by water officially licensed by New Zealand Post, the Beachcomber Mail Boat brings groceries and mail to the families living in many of the Sound’s bays and inlets. Hop aboard in the excitement of Mail Day and wave to the kids standing by on the wharf for the delivery of their schoolwork, or say “hello” to the animals that have showed up to meet the boat.

The boat makes its daily run from Monday to Saturday, but the routes are not the same all throughout, so there’s no best day to go or best route to take. As the routes change from day to day, you’ll never know what awaits! Each has its own highlights, and brings with it a different flavour of adventure and changing cast of characters. There is the Big Dog Bay’s marching chickens (and Kuri, the big dog himself); Oscar the Mail Dog at Blackwood Bay; or the pigs at East Bay.

Learn more about the Marlborough Sounds from your friendly and knowledgeable skipper who will narrate the area’s history during your cruise, and the people who made this place their home today and in the years past. One of the fascinating residents of the Tory Channel is the Heberleys who once wrestled with the giant whales at the last operating whaling station in New Zealand. Don’t be shy to ask your skipper intriguing morsels of history, and be ready with your camera for unanticipated wildlife encounters!

A brief stop at the historical Ship Cove is the high point of any Mail Boat Cruise. Named in January 1770 by Captain James Cook when he first anchored here to resupply his vessel with water, food and wood, Ship Cove was also an important place for the local Maori, and both influences are commemorated with a monument to Captain Cook, elaborate Maori carvings, and information panels narrating Ship Cove’s historic past. You may also choose to just relax and be entertained by the playful Weka, resident Oyster Catchers and Paradise Ducks.

Start: Picton (1:30pm)

Finish: Picton (about 5:30pm)

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Touring Queen Charlotte Sound on a Picton Mail Boat Cruise

This classic new zealand tour by beachcomber offers a relaxing day on the water..

Last updated Oct 9, 2020

When researching must-stop places on your New Zealand road trip, you probably won't come across Picton – we didn't. However, most visitors still end up in this small, but picturesque port town because it is where the interisland ferry picks up and drops off passengers on the south island . It is also the heart of the scenic Marlborough Sounds – making it the perfect place to plan a day on the water. Luckily for weary travelers, the Beachcomber Picton Mail Boat Cruise offers a unique and relaxing way to see this area – by delivering mail to residents in the remote reaches of the sounds!

For us, our visit to Picton wasn't due to any plan to hop between islands. Instead, we were on our way to Abel Tasman National Park from Christchurch and wanted to take the opportunity to explore this beautiful area of the Marlborough Sounds and give our bodies a break from two weeks of too much driving (mainly in the Northland ). Getting to sit on a boat for half a day, take in the views, and have a glimpse into life in this area of the world sounded ideal.

Table of Contents

About the Beachcomber Picton Mail Boat Cruise

Based in beautiful Picton, Beachcomber Cruises has multiple tours that showcase this area of New Zealand, but their mail boat cruise is definitely the most unique! For more than 150 years, the mail has been delivered by boat in the Queen Charlotte Sound area of the picton mail boat cruise. They are the “only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water.” In addition to post, they also deliver groceries to residents – so a very important job!

In addition to the chance to see wildlife while you cruise along, you also get to take a quick wander around Ship Cove (in the summer months) about mid-way through the four-hour tour. This is where Captain Cook anchored to replenish supplies 250 years ago (as of Jan. 2020).

With the famed Queen Charlotte Track nearby, many hikers also use the boat as a way to shuttle between parts of this trail as well. So, you'll meet all sorts of interesting people on your ride!

Depending on which day of the week you visit, the boat takes a different delivery route, showcasing another part of the sounds. So, just be sure to plan accordingly depending on what you'd like to see most.

Exploring Queen Charlotte Sound on the Saturday Picton Mail Boat Cruise

After reviewing the mail boat delivery routes and keeping our schedule in mind, we decided Saturday would be the best day to take our Picton Mail Boat Cruise . It just seemed to have the most variety. However, all of the routes look like they go into similar rural places. On weekdays, we were told you may even see kids waiting on their schoolwork! So cute!

After checking in at the office as instructed, we boarded the two-level boat and immediately noticed a big stack of mail bags next to the captain – things were getting official!

Soon we were speeding off away from Picton and toward our first mail delivery spot. On the way, we spotted a few different types of local birds and even some more elusive Hector's Dolphins (easy to distinguish due to their rounded dorsal fin).

Becoming a Mail Delivery Pro

A fun surprise was that we were able to volunteer to hand over the mail to the local residents. Of course, I jumped at the chance for this unique experience. The captain instructed me to wait until we were really close and not to trip over the step at the door (wonder how many times that has happened? haha!). All the locals we met were so happy – maybe because it was mail day or maybe because they live in a remote paradise, but either way it made for a nice day.

I think the best resident we met had to be the helpful pup waiting with its owner at one of the docks. The captain was ready with a treat to keep this keen doggo from offering his help on the boat. You can tell the people who deliver the mail to these far-off places are really an important part of the community – really the thread that connects these scattered neighbors.

A Stop at Ship Cove

Another highlight of the trip was our short stop at Ship Cove . With a mail delivery schedule to keep, we only had about 15 minutes, but that was plenty of time to walk over to the little beach, admire the monument listing the times Captain Cook was anchored there, and spot some more new bird species!

It is a very jungle-esque area and some more adventurous souls actually got dropped off there to camp! While an intriguing option, we were happy to just get our quick look at this historic and beautiful place before hopping back on the boat for coffee and tea. Of course, we were the last ones on, because … pictures. There's a good reason this was known as Cook's favorite base while in New Zealand.

The weather turned a little warmer and less windy on the ride back to Picton, and we soaked up some rays in the peaceful outdoor area as many others sipped their hot drinks inside. Always happy to be on the water!

Tips for a Great Trip on the Beachcomber Picton Mail Boat Cruise

• Make sure it is for you . If you are looking for an adrenaline rush or constant entertainment, the laid-back vibe of this cruise is probably not a good fit for you. But, if you are genuinely interested in this historic mail delivery method and want to see more of this scenic area of New Zealand's south island – definitely go for it!

• Pack everything . Even if it is sunny, you may get cold out on the water. So, bring a jacket as well as sunscreen and whatever you'd like to eat and drink since they don't have anything available onboard aside from some coffee/tea offered mid-way through.
• Check-in and line up early. In order to get everyone on the boat faster, you are supposed to check-in at the office about 30 minutes early and line up 15 minutes before departure. There are modern, clean, one-person toilets nearby and some cafes, but be sure to get in line early to get a good seat!

• Grab a great seat . Initially, we thought that the best seat was at the top in the sunshine, but the weather quickly turned windy and cold once we were moving – so keep that in mind. At the very back, you are also likely to get splashed a little bit. I'd recommend grabbing an inside window seat – since you can hear the captain better and still see everything going on around you.

Special thanks to Beachcomber cruises for hosting us on the Picton Mail Boat Cruise. As always, opinions are our own.

About the Author: Brooke Baum

Brooke is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager for various blog sites. After five years of full-time travel with her husband Buddy, they made the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, their permanent home base. However, they still travel regularly and are always planning their next trip.

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• The Mail Run Cruise

See our lunch options below, we'll provide tea, coffee and hot water onboard.

Booking fee of 2.5% applies - includes card, administration and associated costs.

Full-day tour in Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere, Marlborough Sounds. Departs Mondays and Fridays weekly.

We think being a ‘sea postie’ is one of the best jobs in the world, and it is something you can experience onboard with us all year round!

Delivering the mail by sea in the Marlborough Sounds is a truly unique experience. This full-day cruise is a chance to see an authentic, fascinating slice of daily life in our remote part of the world.

The Pelorus Mail Boat has been operating for more than a century. As a sea postie for a day, you’ll cruise through the largest, quietest and most remote part of the Marlborough Sounds – Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere, and experience what we reckon is the best job in the world.

Between deliveries and pick-ups of mail, parcels and supplies, relax on our spacious catamaran and marvel at the stunning scenery of clear blue water in tranquil coves and bush-clad hillsides. Meet some of the residents who await the Pelorus Mail Boat on far-flung jetties, unspoilt beaches or who meet us on their boats. A highlight for many of our passengers is the variety of four-footed furry residents who accompany their owners when we arrive.

Our friendly, fun local crew will provide informative and entertainment commentary about life in this isolated part of the Marlborough Sounds. You’ll learn what life far away from the nearest road is really like, along with some of the area’s fascinating history. The crew will also keep an expert eye for local marine wildlife including dolphins, seals, penguins and stingrays.

There is free tea, coffee and hot water onboard and we have a range of local beers and wines available for purchase. 

Please bring your own lunch.

Havelock has several cafes, a bakery and a small supermarket where you can stock up before you check in.

Alcohol may not be brought onboard the mailboat.

Mailrun itinerary

• 9:30am: Arrival, check in and board.
• 10am: Depart Havelock Marina.
• 10am to 12pm*: Various mail deliveries and transfers – highlights may include a bush walk.
• 12pm*: Stop for lunch – BYO lunch.
• 12:45pm to 3:30pm*: Various mail deliveries and transfers – highlights may include cruising past the king shag colony or remote island, and through a mussel farm.
• 3:30pm to 4:30pm: Return to Havelock Marina.

* Please note that these times will vary due to weather and pick-ups and drop-offs. 

Pelorus Mail Boat routes

Monday - The Eastern The Eastern Route includes Black Point, Whatanihi, Inner Pelorus Sound, Nydia Bay, Hopewell Lodge, Jacobs Bay, Homewood, Hopai Bay, Crail Bay and Four Fathom Bay.

Wednesday - The Western

The Western Route includes Nydia Bay, North-West Bay, Tira-Ora Bay, Miro Bay, Wilson Bay, Te Rawa Lodge, Te Pakeka Maud Island, Brightlands Bay.

Friday - Outer Sounds The Outer Sounds Route includes Inner Pelorus Sound, Pohuenui Island, Whakatahuri, Forsyth Island, Port Ligar, Bulwer, Homewood, Waitata Bay and Hopewell Lodge.

Which route/cruise is best?

All our routes guarantee stunning scenery, the chance to spot amazing wildlife and fun, entertaining commentary from our onboard crew.

Does the mail boat operate in bad weather?

The Marlborough Sounds is a very sheltered area so it is rare for the Pelorus Mail Boat not to operate.

You are welcome to phone us for a skipper’s weather report, which is the most accurate local weather information you will get for our trip.

If the weather is not to your liking, you're welcome to change your booking to another date up to 24 hours prior to your sailing departure time.

On the very rare occasion that we cancel a sailing due to bad weather, you will be offered the option of an alternate date or full refund.

What’s it like to do a cruise in winter?

Autumn and winter weather in the Marlborough Sounds can be some of the best of the year, with glassy calm water conditions and more marine life including dolphins. Just bring an extra layer or two and a woolly hat, and you’ll enjoy some spectacular light and colours.

Do you actually deliver mail?

Yes. We are a genuine Royal Mail delivery service to the Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere community. We also deliver freight, groceries and transfer residents and holiday makers to and from their properties.

What wildlife are we likely to see?

We see all sorts of wildlife and every day is different. The weather, tide, time of year and luck all play a part in what we see.

We regularly come across little blue penguins, white-fronted terns, fluttering shearwaters, rare king shags, spotted shags and pied shags. We may also see New Zealand fur seals, stingrays and dusky dolphins, common dolphins and bottle nose dolphins, along with very occasional sightings of orca.

An eclectic range of residents' pets also come out to meet us at the jetties – from dogs to chickens, kunekune pigs, ostriches, goats and even llamas.

Can we pay by credit card?

Yes - Visa, Mastercard are welcomed, and we also accept debit card transactions.

What are our lunch options?

Bring your own lunch. Havelock has a number of great cafes, a bakery and a small supermarket where you can stock up before you board our cruise.

We provide complimentary tea, coffee and water onboard.

What do we need to bring?

• Sunhat (we also sell sunhats onboard)
• Camera, memory card and battery
• Layers of warm clothing – the weather can change quickly

Are there toilets on board?

Yes - there are two toilets onboard.

Do you have wheelchair access?

We do have partial wheelchair access. Some mobility is required and we appreciate prior notice. We can take a maximum of two wheelchairs per cruise. 

Where can I park my car before the cruise?

Havelock Marina, where we are based, has a pay and display parking area. We suggest leaving plenty of time for car parking during busy summer months before your check-in time.

Why do return times vary?

Our return time varies quite a bit depending on the number of deliveries on the day, what the tide is doing and also what we see on the day. We run a relaxed schedule to ensure our passengers enjoy what we see on the day, so this can vary our return time.

Do you sell vouchers?

Yes we do - you can purchase a voucher here .

Will I get seasick?

The inner Marlborough Sounds is very sheltered and does not experience the large rolling sea swells seen in Cook Strait and the open sea. While the Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere is often calm, the sea can become choppy, particularly in the afternoon. Normally these conditions last only a short time as we move between sheltered bays and inlets.

Are your cruises suitable for families?

Definitely. Our cruises are safe and fun for all ages, and children aged 4 and under travel free. Passengers are advised to always follow the instructions of the skipper and crew.

When do I need to check in?

All passengers need to check in at 9.30am for our 10am departure time. This is to allow enough time for boarding and for the day's mail deliveries to get away on time.

• Cruising and Delivering Mail on our Mail Run Cruises

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Cougar Line

Daily departures (picton).

Queen Charlotte Sounds Departing 9:00am & 1:30pm Daily Fridays only 5:30pm Grove Arm Departing 2pm Daily

Get out in the Sounds

Cruise and Lunch

Round Trip Track Pass

Walk Ship Cove/Meretoto - Resolution Bay

Walk Resolution Bay - Furneaux Lodge

Walk Furneaux Lodge - Punga Cove

Walk Ship Cove/Meretoto - Furneaux Lodge

See what others are saying...., explore the marlborough sounds with us.

Cougar Line's timetable outlines the daily boat departures from Picton to Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui and the Grove Arm for water transfers and cruises.

Outer Queen Charlotte Sounds Transfers

Book your transfer here for the Outer Queen Charlotte Sounds. The outer sounds cover: Bay Many Coves Resort, Umuwheke, Ship Cove, Resolution Bay, Tawa Cove, Pines Main, Furneaux Lodge, Miners, Madsen, Punga Cove, Mahana, Endeavour Heights,  Dryden Bay, Bay of Many Coves Resort, Torea Bay.

Inner Queen Charlotte Sound Transfers

Book your transfer here for the inner Queen Charlotte Sounds. The inner sounds cover: Torea Bay, Bowens Bay, Green Bay, Monkey Bay, Kumutoto, Kaipapa Bay, Curious Cove, Blackwood Bay, Ruakaka Bay, East Bay, Bay of Many Coves batches.

Grove Arm Transfers

Book your transfer to or from the Grove Arm - this includes Lochmara, Anakiwa, Mistletoe Bay and Waterfall Bay.

Return Transfers to Resorts

Book your return transfer here for the Endeavour Inlet. This includes Punga Cove, Furneaux Lodge, and Bay of Many Coves. These cost $110 Please add in the booking note your date and time of return.

The Marlborough Sounds

Discover the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, a fascinating and beautiful network of ancient drowned valleys.

Queen Charlotte Track

Walk or mountain bike the 73km Queen Charlotte Track and immerse yourself in magnificent Marlborough Sounds scenery.

Day Cruises

Explore the very best of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds with a Cougar Line day cruise.

Marlborough Sounds water transport with a smile.

Based in Picton at the top of the South Island, Cougar Line provides Marlborough Sounds water transport around Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui. 

Whether you're heading out to walk or bike the Queen Charlotte Track, going to a lodge or private holiday home, or just out for a cruise, we'll get you and your gear where you need to go, on time, in one piece and with a smile.

Check out @cougarline on Instagram and Facebook and join in with the #marlboroughtourcompany and check out our other partner experiences in Marlborough, while you are here!

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