Step aboard the Pelorus Mail Boat and experience what it’s like to be a “sea postie” for a day on a truly unique full-day cruise through the Marlborough Sounds. Operating for more than a century, this authentic working mail run journeys through the vast, peaceful and remote waterways of Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere and Kenepuru Sound, offering a fascinating glimpse into daily life far from the nearest road.

Cruise aboard a spacious catamaran between tranquil coves, clear blue waters and bush-clad hillsides as the crew delivers and collects mail, parcels and essential supplies. Along the way, meet residents waiting at far-flung jetties, secluded beaches or aboard their own boats, often accompanied by their friendly four-legged companions. The local crew brings the journey to life with entertaining commentary and stories about the area’s history and isolated communities, while keeping watch for dolphins, seals, penguins, stingrays and other marine wildlife.

Between deliveries, relax and take in the spectacular scenery while enjoying complimentary tea and coffee on board. Bring your own lunch for the journey, with cafés, a bakery and a small supermarket available in Havelock before check-in. Combining breathtaking landscapes, local stories and the rare chance to experience a genuine working mail run, this memorable cruise reveals a side of the Marlborough Sounds that few visitors ever get to see.