Postie's Day Off Cruise: Havelock to Marlborough Sounds Mail-Boat Adventure
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic mobility; expect short sections of uneven terrain and boat boarding.
Overview
Board the Pelorus Mail Boat for a six-hour mail-boat cruise from Havelock into the Marlborough Sounds, including a 45-minute native-bush walk, farm visit at Hopai Bay and optional Te Rawa Lodge lunch and wine tasting. A hands-on day that blends coastal landscapes, local stories and practical outdoor time.
Postie's Day Off Cruise: Havelock to Marlborough Sounds Mail-Boat Adventure
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The Pelorus Mail Boat eases away from Pier B, Havelock, and the town’s red-roofed sheds shrink into a map of pontoons and river flats. Salt air threads through pōhutukawa branches as the skipper picks a steady course into a knuckled coastline of coves and headlands. Forty-five minutes into the run you step off for a short bush walk through Dillon Bell Reserve — a moss-soft path under rimu and kanuka where the forest seems to breathe, and the sound of the tide at the inlet dares you to look up from the ferns.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear grippy walking shoes
The Dillon Bell Reserve track is short but can be muddy and slippery after rain—sturdy shoes improve comfort and safety.
Bring rain layers
Weather in the Sounds changes fast; a waterproof jacket keeps you comfortable during coastal spray or an unexpected shower.
Carry insect repellent
Forest sections and foreshore areas attract sandflies and mosquitoes—repellent makes the walk and picnic more pleasant.
Reserve lunch or bring your own
You must choose either a purchased lunch at Te Rawa Lodge or a picnic at the farm—plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tūī and fantail flitting in coastal forest
- Occasional bottlenose dolphins or seals in sheltered bays
History
The mail-boat service evolved as the principal link for scattered Sound communities; many farms and gardens grew around these seasonal connections between Māori and European settlers.
Conservation
The Marlborough Sounds are ecologically sensitive—stick to tracks, take rubbish with you and respect shellfish gathering regulations to protect foreshore habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Havelock
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Protects against coastal spray and sudden showers common in the Sounds.
fall specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Provide traction on muddy reserve tracks and farm paths.
Refillable water bottle
Hydration on board and during the bush walk—water refill options are limited.
summer specific
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Keeps sandflies and sun off during shore stops and picnic time.
summer specific