Pelorus Mail Boat

06/09/2026

Awww shucks, you're making us blush 🥰
Thanks Margaret!

20/08/2026

"Mail Boat Friday is the best day of the week. I love to hear the Mail Boat on a lovely Friday morning."

Thanks, Vanessa. This beautiful handmade card has the whole crew smiling from ear to ear 💙🥰

Vanessa is the daughter of the DOC ranger who lives with his family on Te Pākeka / Maud Island, a predator-free wildlife sanctuary and closed scientific reserve. The island is home to some of New Zealand's rarest and most precious native species.

The Pelorus Mail Boat is one of those uniquely Kiwi experiences that is both a vital service and a memorable visitor attraction. Each week, it delivers mail and supplies on behalf of NZ Post to residents living in some of the most remote corners of Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere, connecting communities that can only be reached by boat.

Often described as a highlight of travellers' New Zealand journeys, the Mail Boat offers a genuine glimpse into life in the Sounds and the remarkable people who call this place home.

For more than 100 years, the Pelorus Mail Boat has been delivering mail, freight and essentials throughout the Sounds, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1918.

18/06/2026

Recognise these two?

If you've cruised the Pelorus Mail Boat before, we're willing to bet you've got a good story involving Skipper Ross or the legendary crew member Mark!

These two are part of what makes every trip so special.. plenty of local knowledge, a few laughs, and a warm welcome every time you step onboard.

The Sounds are stunning year-round, but there's something extra special about winter on the water. And with our Winter Deals now on, there's never been a better time to come aboard and experience it for yourself.

Check out that deals - https://www.marlboroughtourcompany.co.nz/deals/
for a limited time, enjoy 30% off selected tours and cruises.
Use promo code: WINTER30
Travel Dates: 1 June – 31 August

The scenery is spectacular, the crew are ready to welcome you, and the coffee is hot!

📸 Vaughan Scott Photography

Discover Marlborough with cool experiences at hot prices.

06/05/2026

D'Urville Day Out is back!

Cruise aboard the iconic Pelorus Express and discover one of the Marlborough Sounds’ most remote and beautiful islands.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the D’Urville Island Wilderness Resort, relax with a drink from our onboard bar, and soak up live commentary along the way.

We have just three exclusive dates this winter... don’t miss out.

📍Departs Havelock Marina
📆16th May, 13th June and 18th July
🕒09:00am - 04:30pm
👛$165pp

Book Now while we still have seats available!
https://www.themailboat.co.nz/cruising-and-delivering-mail-on-our-mail-run-cruises/durville-day-out/

24/04/2026

This ANZAC Day, we honour those who gave so much, and those who never made it home.

The quiet waterways of the Kenepuru, and the lives connected by them, are a gentle reminder of the freedom we’re privileged to enjoy every day.

Lest we forget.

19/04/2026

"Come and Discover Pelorus — a place of natural beauty, adventure, and genuine Marlborough hospitality".

Great to see the Discover Pelorus website go live thanks to the hard work of the Pelorus Promotions team. A great resource for all the best ways to discover this very special place. Go check it out 👇

https://www.discoverpelorus.co.nz

13/03/2026

The annual Havelock Mussel Festival is always a highlight on the calendar 😀

We have some very special deals on our favourite tours and cruises to experience the best of this beautiful region.

We love supporting this annual festival for the Marlborough community. Swing by and say hello to the team.

06/03/2026

🌊 Seaweek Spotlight: New Zealand Fur Seals / Kekeno 🦭

These two were spotted enjoying a sunny perch along the Pelorus coastline during our mail run, completely unbothered, completely at home.

Did you know?
🦭 Fur seals can hold their breath for up to 10 minutes while diving for fish and squid.
🦭 Their thick double-layered fur traps air, keeping them warm even in cold southern waters.
🦭 Pups are born with dark coats and stay close to breeding colonies for their first year of life.

After being heavily hunted in the 1800s, fur seals are one of Aotearoa’s great conservation success stories.

As we deliver mail and supplies through the Sounds, we’re lucky to encounter wildlife like this along the way. We always keep a respectful distance, these rocky outcrops are their lounge chairs, not ours.

Seaweek is a reminder that every bay, reef, and coastline we travel through is part of a living ecosystem worth protecting. 💙

📸 Captured during a Pelorus Mail Boat run
Filmed in accordance with New Zealand’s Marine Mammals Protection Regulations.

23/02/2026

A little moment from last week on the Pelorus 🌊

With a 3.2m high tide rolling through, Friday called for a change of lunch spot. We tucked into Wynn Bay, more commonly known as Dr Jacobson Bay.

Dr Jacob was the Sounds’ doctor for decades, travelling these waters in an old whale chaser to visit remote families and communities. Imagine making house calls like that.

One of the things we love about the Pelorus Mail Boat is that no two days are ever the same. The tides shift, plans adapt, and there’s always a story waiting in the next bay.

Just another day delivering mail… with a side of local history. ✉️

11/02/2026

We received the loveliest email this week and just had to share it 💛

“I had a wonderful time with you. The best 89th birthday present and the day was perfect with smooth seas, sunny skies and lovely people from other countries. I would like to do this again next year for my 90th. Thank you all.” – Olga

Olga, it was an absolute pleasure having you onboard to celebrate such a special milestone. Smooth seas, sunshine, and great company… we couldn’t have asked for a better birthday cruise.

We’ll be ready and waiting for your 90th 💙