Frequently Asked Questions

The Original Mail Run Tour?

This is our signature experience! You get to sit back and relax as a passenger in our comfortable tour vehicle while we deliver the daily mail along the historic Whanganui River Road. It is an intimate, local way to experience the stunning river scenery and hear the rich stories of this magical land from guides who drive it every day.

How long does the tour last and what time do we start?

• Timing: The tour operates Monday to Friday.

• Duration: It lasts approximately 6 hours.

• Schedule: We depart at 7:30 AM and return at approximately 1:30 PM.

Is food provided?

Yes! The tour includes our popular homemade morning tea, which we enjoy while visiting historically significant local sites, such as the historic Jerusalem Convent. If you have any specific dietary requirements, just let us know when making your enquiry so we can have you well looked after.

Does this tour go on the river?

No, the Mail Run is entirely a road-based tour traveling by vehicle along the scenic and winding Whanganui River Road. If you are looking to get out onto the water, ask us about our custom river connection options!

What happens if the weather is bad?
The Mail Tour runs rain or shine — it's a working mail delivery route! Cycle tours may be rescheduled in severe weather. We'll always contact you in advance if conditions affect your booking.

How do I get to Whanganui?
Whanganui is 3 hours from Wellington and 5 hours from Auckland (via Hamilton). We operate from central Whanganui and can advise on parking and transport on request.

What should I bring?  - We recommend:

• Warm clothing and layers

• A waterproof jacket

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Camera or phone

• Water bottle

• Lunch (for tours where lunch is not included)

How do we book?

Head over to our [Home Page] and click Book Now to secure your spot instantly through our online booking system.

What cycle tour options does Whanganui Tours offer? There are two main options. The first is a full-day self-guided experience — starting with the Mail Tour, then cycling the Whanganui River Road in a single day. The second is a 2-day/1-night self-guided package that includes the Mail Tour, bike and luggage transfers, accommodation, and all meals.

How much do the cycle tours cost? The single-day Mail Tour + cycle experience is $110 per person Monday–Friday and $180 per person on weekends. The 2-day/1-night self-guided package starts from $730 per person, including accommodation and all meals made with locally sourced ingredients . (Minimum 2 persons)

What cycle tour options does Whanganui Tours offer? There are two main options. The first is a full-day self-guided experience — starting with the Mail Tour, then cycling the Whanganui River Road in a single day. The second is a 2-day/1-night self-guided package that includes the Mail Tour, bike and luggage transfers, accommodation, and all meals.

How much do the cycle tours cost? The single-day Mail Tour + cycle experience is $110 per person Monday–Friday and $180 per person on weekends. The 2-day/1-night self-guided package starts from $730 per person, including accommodation and all meals made with locally sourced ingredients.

Mail Tour | Self-Guided Cycle | Canoe

What is the Discover Te Awa Tupua experience? It combines three experiences in one day — the Mail Tour, a 2-hour cycle from the Jerusalem/Hiruharama convent, and a 2-hour canoe trip through Whanganui National Park from Koriniti to Atene. It's guided by people with a deep connection to the river and land, sharing local stories and manaakitanga (hospitality).

How much does Discover Te Awa Tupua cost? The guided experience (with e-bike hire and canoe with Awa navigators) is $430 per person. A self-guided version — which includes the Mail Tour, bike hire, and a self-guided canoe or kayak — is $270 per person and requires a medium fitness level and some kayaking experience.

When does the Discover Te Awa Tupua tour run? Monday to Sunday, departing at 7:30 am from your Whanganui accommodation and returning around 4:30 pm (6–7 hours). A minimum of 4 persons is required for the guided version; 2 persons for the self-guided version.

Is there a lunch option on the Discover Te Awa Tupua tour? There's an optional lunch stop at Matahiwi Cafe for $30 per person. Otherwise, bring your own lunch — it's listed in the recommended items to pack.

Do I need experience to join the cycle or kayak tours?
The self-guided cycle tours suit most fitness levels. The self-guided kayak option requires some prior kayaking experience. We can advise which tour suits you best — just get in touch.

Mail Tour | self-guided cycle | Self-guided Kayak

Do I need prior experience for the canoe paddle?

Yes. Because the canoe section is self-guided, you must have some prior kayaking or canoeing experience to ensure you are comfortable and safe on the river.

How fit do I need to be?

We recommend a medium fitness level for this tour. While the e-bikes make the cycling section highly enjoyable and manageable, you will still be active across three different disciplines throughout the day.

What is the cost, and is there a booking minimum?

• Price: From $270 per person (this includes your e-bike hire and full support).

Group Size: A minimum of 2 persons is required per booking.

What should I bring and wear for the day?

Because this tour spans land, water, and varying valley weather, we highly recommend dressing in layers and bringing the following items:

• Clothing: Wear comfortable, athletic clothing suitable for biking. Layering is key—a lightweight thermal base layer and a windproof/waterproof jacket are essential for the river and the bike ride.

• Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (like running shoes or light trail shoes) are required for the e-biking. You may want to bring a change of footwear (like secure sandals or water shoes) for the canoe segment so your biking shoes stay dry.

• Sun & Element Protection: Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

• Personal Gear: A small daypack to hold your layers, a reusable water bottle, and your camera or phone to capture the incredible views. We will provide dry bags to protect your gear while you are on the water.

What bikes are available to hire? Mountain bikes are available at $80 per day and e-bikes (electric mountain bikes) at $100 per day. Bike hire includes delivery and pickup, a helmet, and a basic puncture repair kit. All bikes are serviced before each trip. Let the team know your height when booking so they can get the right frame size for you.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist? A reasonable level of fitness helps, particularly for the full single-day ride. The River Road is a stunning but real sealed backcountry route. If you're unsure, get in touch and the team can help match you to the right option.

Shuttles

Yes. Shuttles run from Whanganui to Ohakune from $190 per person (including your bike), with a minimum of 2 persons. Shuttles to Pipiriki are $110 per person Monday–Friday or $180 per person on weekends, also with a minimum of 2 persons.

Can you transfer my luggage while I cycle? Absolutely. Luggage transfers from Whanganui to Pipiriki are $30 per bag, available Monday to Friday only ( not weekends).

Do you offer services outside of Monday–Friday? The team is generally on the River Road Monday to Friday, but in summer — if minimum passenger numbers are met — there's more flexibility. Get in touch directly to discuss your needs and we will do our best to make it work.