Havelock Travel Guides (Updated September 2026)

A fabulous day out, perfect weather, friendly folk collecting their mail and eager for a chat, mussel farms, crystal clear waters, incredibly friendly and knowledgeable all female crew. Truly a day I will remember very fondly

The mail boat tour was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had in recent years. Bill and Lindt are awesome and very professional at what they do. We got to meet residents who live in the remote sounds and even pet goats and pigs that something you wouldn’t normally imagine. The scenery feels like being in another world! The serenity and calmness are incredible. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique experience in Havelock.

They have all the equiment you need. such a awesome thing to do with the family. Suncreen ,Togs as you get to have a swim.

We had so much fun. Our guide Jade was lovely and knew her stuff. I would recommend this tour, it was so cool to go where the dwarfs went see how they did it!

A great day perfect weather. Hosts were knowledgeable and very accommodating in diverting from their plan to show us a memorable experience especially when we saw wildlife.

It is a very great way to see all the bays , with a friendly captain and staff. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and would recomend it to anyone.

This isn't a wild level 4 rapids ride, but it is a lovely gentle half day on the river; we thoroughly enjoyed our time with our excellent guide, and really enjoyed our time on the Pelorus river, including navigating several mini rapids, listening to the birds, visiting a waterfall and having a swim. Everything was well organised and we were well taken care of. AND of course, we learned lots about the behind the scenes of the filming of the Hobbits in the Barrels scene. A good afternoon.

Kayaking was an awesome experience. Jade was a great guide, providing great commentary on interesting facts about the area as we kayaked past and we also stopped at the area where the barrel scenes were shot for the Hobbit and Jade had some great stories to tell.Although we came in Summer, it was raining on the day and we were worried about the rain. However, it wasn't heavy rain and wetsuits and splash jackets were provided and the rain wasn't a bother.The rapids weren't too big, but it was still fun going through them and it was great just paddling and enjoying the scenery.Thanks for a great Jade!

A glorious day on the water! Experienced crew and well-presented boat. Saw dolphins up close! A real bonus! Farm talk by Kelly was very informative - she has an infectious smile!! One minor criticism - chairs to sit at while waiting for 30 minutes for boarding and a coffee cart nearby would be a real plus.

First time in this area from Northland.

Just book it! It is an amazing day out on the water with the most stunning scenery, fab commentary and magical place for lunch! Best value for money and such special memories!

We loved the Mailboat experience! The scenery was fabulous, and it was fascinating to see how people live out in the Sounds and to feel a part of the experience. The Wilson Bay Farm tour was excellent - really genuine and engaging. It was interesting to learn about the Mussel farming too. It felt like a really authentic experience - the best boat tour we did in New Zealand (and we did quite a few)! Highly recommended!

We had a splendid day. Took a packed lunch that we had at the farm stop. There is also the option of lunch at the lodge next door. Pelorus Sound is magnificent and visiting all the isolated communities to deliver mail and groceries is very interesting. Thank you Ross and Mark for a very professional and fun cruise.

Full day out on the post boat. Ross was fab at explaining about the Mussel farms and general life in the Sounds. Visited several jetties to drop off mail/groceries/fuel etc!! Couple of scenic stops and lunch at stunning Te Rawa . Definitely recommend as a different way to spend the day and see the stunning Pelorus Sound from a different perspective

Although we have been on Doubtful and Charlotte Sounds, this is different as, being a mail boat as well, it is an ideal way to see and talk with people actually living on the Sound. They call in at direct coves depending on where mail/parcels are delivered. Ross and Mark gave us lots of information. The highlight was when we stopped for our picnic lunch at Wilson Bay Farm. The wife - can't remember her name - talked to us about her daily living at this remote beautiful place. All in all, a great day out and can highly recommend.

Fabulous trip. Our friendly hosts had heaps of local knowledge and told us very entertaining stories. Highly recommend for a slice of life in the Sounds as well as beautiful scenery and wildlife. We opted for the farm talk at lunchtime and that was also very interesting with a real insight into how they live and work so remotely.