Summer Months – November to April – Operating 7 days a week
Winter Months – May to October – Operating 3 days a week
One of the last genuine mail boats left anywhere in the world, the Pelorus Mail Boat is an iconic and fascinating look in to yesteryear (the good old days).
Our mail boat departs from the friendly little township/village of Havelock roughly half way between Picton and Nelson, or a third of the way between Blenheim and Nelson. We deliver mail, parcels and passengers out into the beautiful Pelorus Sound seven days a week through summer and three days a week through winter.
While each day has us navigating different inlets and jetties, they all showcase the stunning scenery and majestic wildlife of the Marlborough Sounds.
All of our trips include commentary on the history of the Sounds, its residents and complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits all day.
Be sure to check out our FAQs.
Mail Run Cruise
Days:
- Eastern Route – Mon & Thurs* – Highlights include, Gannet Colony & Jacobs walk or farm tour
- Outer Route – Tues* & Fri – Highlights include, Gun Emplacement & King Shag Colony
- Western Route – Wed & Sat* – Highlights include, 1 hour walk & Jacobs Bay (walk is optional)
Pricing:
- $128 per adult
- FREE for children under 5
- FREE for children** up to 2 per adult, thereafter, $50 per child
* Thurs, Tues & Sat only available during the summer months of November to April
** 5 to 14yrs old
Itinerary:
- 9:30am: Arrival, check-in and board
- 10:00am: Depart Havelock Marina
- 10:00am to 12:00pm*: Various deliveries and transfers – highlights may include mussel farm tour and bush walk
- 12:00pm*: Stop for lunch – Purchase lunch (at your own cost – cash, credit card or eftpos) while relaxing at the Lodge at Te Rawa or BYO picnic to enjoy during the historic farm tour
- 12:45pm to 3:30pm*: Various deliveries and transfers – highlights may include visiting the gun emplacement and king shag colony or Wilson Bay farm tour
- 3:30pm to 4:30pm: Return to Havelock Marina
* Please note that these times can and will vary due to weather and pick-ups and drop-offs.
Sunday Best of the Sounds Cruise
Days:
- Every Sunday – November to April
Pricing:
- $128 per adult
- FREE for children under 5
- FREE for children* for up to 2 per adult, thereafter, $50 per child
* 5 to 14yrs old
Itinerary:
- 9:30am: Arrival, check-in and board
- 10:00am: Depart Havelock Marina
- 10:00am to 12:00pm*: Cruising and site viewing with a 1 hour walk to Jacobs Bay (walk is optional)
- 12:00pm*: Stop for lunch – Purchase lunch (at your own cost – cash, credit card or eftpos) while relaxing at the Lodge at Te Rawa or BYO picnic to enjoy during the historic farm tour
- 1:00pm to 3:30pm*: Gannet Colony, spectacular views including the native bush of Tennyson Inlet and Mussel Farm Tour
- 3:30pm to 4:30pm: Return to Havelock Marina
* Please note that these times can and will vary due to weather and pick-ups and drop-offs.
Walk/Lunch Cruise – Raetihi Lodge
Days:
- Mon to Sun – November to April
- Mon, Wed & Fri – May to October
Pricing:
- $60 per adult
- FREE for children under 5
- $20 for children*
- $5 per bike
* 5 to 14yrs old
Itinerary:
- 9:30am: Arrival, check-in and board
- 10:00am: Depart Havelock
- 10:30am: Arrive at Raetihi Lodge – enjoy a relaxing lunch (at your own cost – cash, credit card or eftpos) in this stunning location
- 3:00pm*: Pickup from Raetihi Lodge
- 3:30pm to 4:30pm: Return to Havelock Marina
* Please note that these times can and will vary due to weather and pick-ups and drop-offs.
