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Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

324 Reviews 4.75 out of 5 stars Based on 324 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 95% of reviewers
95% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Picton, New Zealand
Book online or call us

from $75.93 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Mail Boat Deliver
Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise
Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise
Picton Mail Boat
Happy resident waiting for a treat
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.
4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound making this a truly unique tour!

Come along on the Mail Boat Cruise and share the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home.

If time allows the Mail Boat Cruise will take a short stop at one of the brilliant locations within the Queen Charlotte waterways, you route will shown upon check in.

Available to purchase for $6 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.

What's Included

  • Commentary on board
  • Restroom on board
  • Food
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
See 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

1 London Quay
Picton 7220, New Zealand

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Queen Charlotte Sound (pass by)

Cruise through the tranquil waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sound, see wildlife and native flora and fauna along the way
Read more

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Q: Will I get seasick on Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-6607MAILBOAT

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.75
324 reviews

Average 4.75 out of 5 stars based on 324 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
268
4 stars
40
3 stars
10
2 stars
3
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Commentary on board.
  • Restroom on board.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Commentary on board
  • Restroom on board
  • Food
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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
  • The boat used for the tour can vary from a smaller 9 seater to a 99 seater catamaran and is not guaranteed
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 70 travelers

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