Special Delivery
One adventure that shouldn't be missed is the Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run (tel. 03/304-8526, or call the visitor center; www.akaroa.com). Join mail carriers Robin and Jo, who make this 120km (74-mile), 4-hour journey around some hair-raising Banks Peninsula roads every day. They deliver mail, papers, and freight to the isolated farms and communities of the peninsula, and they'll take up to eight passengers along for the ride. They'll even stop to let you take photos - and believe me, you'll want to. The Mail Run departs from the visitor center Monday through Saturday at 9am. It costs NZ$60; reservations the day before travel are essential.
The Southern Bays Track (tel./fax 03/329-0007) offers guided and unguided tramps over the southern coastlines, cliffs, valleys, bush, and peaks of Banks Peninsula, descending into the Little River village via the Okuti Valley. For those who like a challenge without the hassle, the guided walk, with packs carried by someone else, is a dream option. The season runs from mid-October to the end of May; call for pricing.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
