Sector 1 & 2: AUCKLAND-WAITOMO-ROTORUA MAORI CULTURE, BUBBLING MUD, HOT POOLS
For many, this is the start of your New Zealand adventure, and what a great day we have in store for you. First up we take you to Mt Eden for the best view of Auckland, the City of Sails, and then travel south over the Bombay Hills and into the Waikato region. We cross the Waikato River and head on to Waitomo to visit the famous Glow-worm Caves, which are over 30 million years old. Here you can take a walk and slow boat through the caves to view the amazing caverns and glow worms. Alternatively, be daring and have a go at one of the different activities Magic has on offer, such as black water rafting or abseiling. Mid-afternoon, we head to Rotorua where Maori culture and thermal activity combine to makes a very unique destination. We recommend you spend more than one night as there is so much to do in this exceptional place. This evening, make sure you take the opportunity to try a Maori Hangi and Concert or relax in a hot pool. Not to be missed!
Approximate arrival into Rotorua is 5.30pm
Sector 3: ROTORUA-TAUPO HUKA FALLS, TONGARIRO CROSSING, SKYDIVING ‘Full steam ahead’ this morning, with a brief sightseeing tour which takes in Rotorua’s lakefront and Government Gardens. We then continue on, visiting the spectacular Lady Knox Geyser and Wai O Tapu geothermal area, famous for vivid mud pools and boiling mud. Next up is Rock ‘n Ropes where you’ll have the opportunity to try the big swing or trapeze. Just before Taupo, another incredible stop is the mighty Huka Falls, throwing over 200,000 litres of water each second. If you feel like an adrenaline rush, try out the jet boat on the Huka River or bungy jump above it. Taupo is a town situated on the edge of a lake bigger than Singapore which, in true Kiwi fashion, means there are heaps of adventure activities available here, such as tandem skydiving, horse riding, kayaking or fishing on the lake. Taupo is also the departure point to attempt the Tongariro Crossing. Described as NZ’s best one day trek, you will need at least two nights in Taupo to undertake the walk that takes you into the heart of volcano country. The nightlife in Taupo is outstanding, with many decent bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from.
Approximate arrival time in Taupo is 3.15pm
Sector 4: TAUPO - WELLINGTON TE PAPA, GREAT CAFES, LORD OF THE RINGS
If you are brave, start the day with a dip in New Zealand’s largest lake. We then head south out of Taupo, travelling along the Desert Road. Welcome to Lord of the Rings country, with amazing photo opportunities of the Tongariro National Park, live volcanoes and ‘Mt. Doom’. Later in the day we pass through the imaginatively named town of Bulls. Make sure you pay attention and try and spot a few of the unique shop names – it’s unforgettabull! In the afternoon, we arrive into Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, were we stop to view Parliament Buildings and ‘The Beehive’ before heading to the summit of Mt Victoria for some fantastic views. There’s plenty to keep you busy here including lively cafes and bars, and don’t miss a visit to Te Papa, the national museum.
Approximate arrival time in Wellington is 4.00pm
Sector 23: COASTAL PACIFIC TRAIN: PICTON-CHRISTCHURCH The TranzCoastal departs Picton at 1:40pm:
The TranzCoastal is a spectacular journey, linking the port of Picton and the 'Garden City' of Christchurch. The TranzCoastal train connects with the Interislander ferry before heading south down the east coast of the South Island. Journey along a thin ledge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges, then cross the vast Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch.
The TranzCoastal will arrive Christchurch at 7:00pm. If you are breaking your journey in Kaikoura the TranzCoastal arrives and departs Kaikoura at 4:08pm
NB: You will need to make your own way to the train station.
Sector 19: TRANZALPINE TRAIN: CHRISTCHURCH-GREYMOUTH The TranzAlpine departs at 8:15am:
The TranzAlpine is world renowned as 'The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure'. Crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, The TranzAlpine winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys, before tracking slowly across the country's greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps. Following rivers and skirting lakes, it descends through lush beech forest to the Tasman Sea and the town of Greymouth.
The TranzAlpine will arrive in Greymouth at approximately 12:45pm
NB: You will need to make your own way to the train station.
Sector 7: GREYMOUTH-FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER HIKING, MIRROR LAKES, UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS
This morning we travel further down the West Coast toward Hokitika, famous for its local cuisine and Pounamu / Greenstone. The traces of gold rush that brought thousands to the area in the mid 1800s are still evident in the historic town of Ross, where we stop for a spot of gold panning. During the summer months (October to March) we take a drive into the scenic Okarito lagoon. We arrive in Franz Josef alpine village in time for those who want to partake in a half day glacier hike. If you wish to aim higher, take a heli-hike that will deliver you to the top of the glacier. If you want a bit more of a challenge, allow an extra day and go for the full day glacier hike (there are not too many opportunities in the world to do something like this). If glaciers aren’t your thing, another option here is to go kayaking on a local lake.
Approximate arrival time into Franz Josef in winter is 12.00pm and summer is 1.00pm
Sector 8: FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN UNLIMITED ADVENTURE, GREAT NIGHTLIFE, PANORAMIC VIEWS
We have an early start for an action packed day. First up we pass through Fox, another town nestled next to a glacier before stopping off at Lake Matheson. Often called the ‘Mirror Lake’ for those ‘picture postcard’ photos, as the lake reflects the Southern Alps which dominate the skyline. The scenery will change from dense forest to vast plateaus as we enter the Central Otago region. Make sure you have your cameras ready as we visit Lake Hawea and later, Lake Wanaka – a recommended overnight stop. Next up, is a stop at the home of the bungy, the Kawarau Bridge, 42m over the Kawerau River and the world’s first commercial bungy site. We head into Queenstown late afternoon where there are endless activity options, from mild to wild. We have allowed two days in Queenstown (but many people prefer to stay longer) to soak it all up.
Approximate arrival time in Queenstown is 5.30pm
Sector Free: IN QUEENSTOWN Spend the day trying one of the many activities in the "Adventure Capital of the World" or take a journey into majestic Milford Sound.
Sector 9: QUEENSTOWN-DUNEDIN WILDLIFE, SCOTTISH HERITAGE, CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Life will slow down a little as we leave Queenstown behind us. We head off along the old gold mining trail taking in some spectacular scenery through central Otago to Dunedin. When you arrive in Dunedin why not join the highly recommended Elm Wildlife Tour that takes you to the Otago Peninsular to spot yellow-eyed penguins, albatross and seals up close. For something quite different, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, where samples are included (yum!), or perhaps finish of a great day by joining the evening Speights Brewery Tour.
Approximate arrival time into Dunedin is 12.30pm
Sector 10: DUNEDIN - TEKAPO LAKES, MOUNTAINS, STAR GAZING
We start the day with a chance to run up the world’s steepest street (that’s you not the Magic coach!). The next stop is a walk on the beach to see the Moeraki Boulders, renowned for their unique spherical shape. Then, after passing through the stone town of Oamaru, if a real New Zealand experience is what you are after take the opportunity to jump off and stay at a working farm in Kurow, an unmissable stop! As we head into the Mackenzie Country, we pass by the Benmore Dam, the largest earth dam in the Southern Hemisphere. Keep an eye on the scenery as there are some amazing views of Aoraki Mt. Cook and the many surrounding lakes. The tranquil Lake Tekapo is our overnight destination. There is a lot on offer including an optional day trip to Mt Cook, sightseeing flights of the Southern Alps or visit the idyllic Church of the Good Shepherd. Tonight, don’t miss the chance to view the Southern Hemisphere stars up close.
Approximate arrival time into Lake Tekapo is 4.00pm
Sector 11: TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH ANTARCTIC CENTRE, HOT AIR BALLOONING, PUNTING
After leaving the shores of Lake Tekapo, we travel around the edges of the stunning Mackenzie Country, crossing over Burkes Pass and the foothills of the Southern Alps. We then pass through the picturesque towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, stopping here for a short time. For those considering undertaking the ‘Lord of the Rings’ tour, let your driver know as you can get picked up just beyond Geraldine. The coach then heads through the Canterbury Plains, the largest area of flat land in NZ – a huge contrast to previous days travel! On arrival in Christchurch, we go first to the International Antarctic Centre where you’ll have the option to learn more about the frozen continent and even undertake a Hagglund Ride, before travelling into the centre of the ‘Garden City’.
Approximate arrival time into Christchurch is 12.30pm or 3.00pm if visiting the Antarctic Centre.
Sector 99: PLEASE NOTE The departure and arrival times listed above are approximate and many different factors can cause these times to alter so please use them as a guide only.
