3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at daily life in the unique and isolated Marlborough Sounds as we deliver goods and passengers to far-flung jetties and corners of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui.
This 3-hour cruise is a great opportunity to see the Marlborough Sounds through the eyes of those who live and work here.
Discover places far from the nearest road, and maybe meet some of the locals who call this isolated and beautiful place home. Relax onboard our comfortable vessel as we deliver passengers and supplies to homes, secluded resorts and the Queen Charlotte Track, keeping an eye out for seals, penguins, dolphins, stingrays and rare sea birds.
Learn about the Marlborough Sounds’ history and natural world from your friendly skipper and crew, and enjoy free tea and coffee. This cruise will take you to corners of the Sounds rarely seen by visitors – no cruise is ever the same.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in a majority of weather conditions, please dress appropriately
In the very rare event of the cruise being canceled due to extreme weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The duration of cruise are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and weather condition
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Queen Charlotte Sound
This 3.5 hour cruise is a great opportunity to see the Marlborough Sounds through the eyes of those who live and work here. Discover places far from the nearest road, and maybe meet some of the locals who call this isolated and beautiful place home. Relax onboard our comfortable vessel as we deliver passengers and supplies to homes, secluded resorts and the Queen Charlotte Track, keeping an eye out for seals, penguins, dolphins, stingrays and rare sea birds. Learn about the Marlborough Sounds’ history and natural world from your friendly skipper and crew, and enjoy free tea and coffee. This cruise will take you to corners of the Sounds rarely seen by visitors – no cruise is ever the same.
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Live commentary on board
Food and drinks (available for purchase on some cruises)
Options
3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise
Reviews
56 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding!!
Angelique L,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a beautiful way to see the sounds, it’s been on my bucket list to do this trip & it didn’t disappoint even the grey day couldn’t take away the spectacular views. Awesome crew, great customer experience, thank you!
A wonderful experience...
Paola G,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful experience seeing a lot of wonderful scenery. Staff friendly and informative. Meet all type of travelers . Make sure you bring a warm jacket and head protection because on top deck very windy and chilly.
Knowledgeable skipper and...
Malcolm S,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Knowledgeable skipper and amazing views. Great to hear some local history on our way round. Also lucky enough to see some dolphins
Magic Mail Run
Steve M,,Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As boat owners, we don't normally pay for boat trips when on holiday 😀. I'm glad we made the mail drop cruise an exception. On our 4 hour cruise, we stopped at many Coves dropping off Mail and essential items (cartons of wine). We saw dolphins and seals (when visiting a salmon farm). We were also able to spend time at one of the Coves to explore the native bush. Our skipper was excellent 👏 and pointed out all of the points off interest 👏. All in all, a thoroughly interesting and informative cruise. When in Picton this must be on your must do list.
Try it. We thoroughly...
Tracy M,,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Try it. We thoroughly enjoyed it, but wasn't what I was expecting. It was more of a taxi than mail run.
Do it! Great experience,...
Jenny c,,Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Do it! Great experience, commentary and chatter with local operators and residents of remote locations around the Sound. Huge pod of bottle nose dolphins playing with the boat was a real treat 😄
Great Trip
Wendy B,,May 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip, very knowledgeable captain and trainee captain Very friendly atmosphere Helped me as I was walking with a cane
Worth doing...But...
Chris H,,May 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Highlight was visiting Ships Cove for its historical significance. But if you can get a trip where you can get off there and check it out would be better. That said I was greatfull for the chance to visit the Cove! Otherwise and interesting few hours with no other highlights. Commentary was informed but no PA on the boat made it hard to hear skipper so had to go upfront and chat with him to get the detail.
Fun boat ride
knottyk3,,May 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We enjoyed seeing the sounds and the resorts/little towns the boat stopped in. The sea was relatively calm this day, but I wouldn't recommend this trip when the seas are rough. We sat up top next to the captain and got more information about the area than was shared on the intercom just by listening to him talk with others.
The best experience
kaylener2019,,Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a wonderful experience. Captain and crew were great. Scenery amazing. The whole booking to trip was easy. Thank you all.
From NZ$110.00
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Operated by Cougar Line