No two tours are ever the same as the route changes daily depending on what needs to be delivered where.   The skipper gives a guided commentary on the surroundings en route, and provides information on how people have lived here throughout history.

Highlights include meeting the children waiting on the wharf for their schoolwork, as well as a 15 minute stop at Ship Cove.   The Cove is the starting point of the  Queen Charlotte Track  and it holds key cultural heritage stories.   It was named by Captain Cook when The Endeavour anchored here in 1770 but before that was valued by Maori as a place of shelter.

The Mail Boat operates from Picton from Monday to Saturday all year round.   Once aboard there’s a chance to ask questions and take photos of the wildlife you may meet along the way.   Complimentary tea and coffee are also available.

The Marlborough region is one where the finer things in life can be enjoyed at a wonderfully relaxed pace.

The first sight many have of the region is as they cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton on the Inter-island ferry from  Wellington.  This is just a small taste of the beauty of the Sounds.

Created when the sea inundated and flooded an ancient river system, the Marlborough Sounds are a seemingly endless network of convoluted waterways, bays, coves and islands. Being sheltered from the open sea, the sounds are perfect for cruising and kayaking and the islands and headlands within them are crisscrossed by fabulously scenic and peaceful walking tracks such as the Nydia and the famous Queen Charlotte.

To reward you after your kayaking and walking exertions, you are perfectly placed in New Zealand’s largest wine producing area to relax with a refreshing glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which is now regarded throughout the world as the benchmark for this varietal and is mainly produced in the Marlborough region along with Chardonnay, Riesling and Methode Champenoise.

There are more than 50 wineries in the area around Blenheim and Renwick and, as many are located in close proximity to one another along the back roads, they are ideal for cycle touring and creating your own tasting trail. You may need to walk home afterwards though!