How to get to our 'mainland island’ in the Marlborough Sounds

VISITING TUI NATURE RESERVE

Tui Nature Reserve is only accessible by water (or air) with a water taxi, mail boat or float plane so your stay at Tui will become quite an adventure.
Here are the three options set out for you;

Mail Boat
The popular Pelorus Mail Boat is providing transport on its weekly run on Friday and Tuesday and departure from Havelock at 9.15 am.
The mailboat run is an approximately 4 hour cruise through the Pelorus while delivering mailbags and supplies to remote and isolated local residents. Arriving by the wharf at Tui on Friday, you will be welcomed by your host who will transport you to your comfortable accommodation at the bird sanctuary.
The Friday mailboat run is going direct to Tui but on Tuesday it will only go as far as Maud Island so you will be picked up by the Tui Experience for a short trip from Maud Island to Tui.

Cost for the Friday Mailboat is $50pp one way,
Cost for the Tuesday mailboat (including the Tui Experience) is $75pp one way.
Children will be charged half price.
The mailboat returns by the end of the afternoon in Havelock.
For more info or to make a booking, visit: www.mail-boat.co.nz

Water taxi services
Water taxis are a more expensive but faster option for those who are opting for other days in the week. Several companies are operating from Havelock and can be contacted to suit your itinerary.
For more info or to make a booking, visit: www.pelorussoundwatertaxis.co.nz or www.havelockwatertaxis.co.nz

Floatplane
An unique way to to the Marlborough Sounds is to travel by floatplane. It leaves from Picton or from Wellington, Porirua. We advise people to arrange a back up travel plan incase the weather is doubtful so you can still travel to your destination.
Phone: 021-704 248 to make a booking or visit the Picton Floatplane Service website.

How to get to Havelock or Picton
by Bus
InterCity from Picton to Havelock, Rai Valley and Nelson
InterCity from Nelson to Rai Valley, Havelock, and Picton

by Air
Sounds Air has daily flights to/from Wellington and Picton.
Closest Airport is in Blenheim which runs daily flights from Christchurch / Auckland / Wellington etc.