Join the postal run in a stunning location
Airing Date: Aug 15th, 2009
Many visitors to this region arrive by water on the Queen Charlotte Sound. The Sound dominates the landscape, the local psyche and the tourists' experience.
Located in the heart of the Queen Charlotte Sound is Picton, the largest town in the Marlborough Sounds.
Until 1860 there was no road access to Picton, so all trade and travel was done by sea.
Picton is where the inter-island ferry (between the North and South Island) arrives and departs. This is a 3 hour ferry ride for those travelling to and from the North Island.
Beachcomber Fun Cruises offer a selection of cruises through the Marlborough Sounds including what they call the Magic Mail Run. They are the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural delivery service operating in the Queen Charlotte Sound, meaning they can take you closer to the people who live there, who receive their mail by boat.
Passengers can help deliver the mail and groceries to families that live in these beautiful remote places and say 'Hi' to the kids waiting on the wharf for their schoolwork to be delivered by correspondence.
Tourists that take this 4.5 hour journey enjoy the magnificent scenery (and it is magnificent by all accounts) and get a glimpse into these people's life-styles. Anyone can play 'Postie' for the day and interact with the locals receiving their mail, the Captain of the mail-boat and the 10 - 15 tourists onboard to learn the history of this area.
Further Information
Beachcomber Fun Cruises
Adults - $83.00
Child - $41.00 (5 to 14 years)
Infant - Free (5 years and under)
Departs daily at 1.30 pm (please note the mail route alters daily in order to cover the many different areas within the Queen Charlotte Sound.)
Prices effective from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009.
0011 64 3573 6175
mailboat.co.nz
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand flies daily to Wellington direct from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with frequent connections to Nelson.
Airfares start from:
Sydney to Wellington from $317 per person, one way
Melbourne to Wellington from $313 per person, one way
Brisbane to Wellington from $313 per person, one way
www.airnewzealand.com.au
Airfares are inclusive of taxes/surcharges, booking conditions apply.
Prices correct as of 10/8/09
