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 15a: TAUPO - ROTORUA - MT MAUNGANUI BEACHES, SURFING, CHILLING OUT
Arrive in Rotorua where you have time to explore some of the many attractions including Whakarewarewa Thermal area, white water rafting on the Kaitiaki or you can get wet and wild in a Zorb at the Agrodome. For those of you passing through for the first time, we strongly recommend at least one night in each town. Leaving Rotorua behind, the coach will then carry on to the chilled out beach town of Mt Maunganui (world famous for surfing) arriving late afternoon. Many of our passengers like to stay a couple of days here to either relax or try some of the many beach activities including learning to surf, whilst allowing the ocean and salt air to work their MAGIC.
Approximate arrival into Mount Maunganui is 5.00pm. Passengers staying at Tuaranga add 20 mins.
Sector 16: MT MAUNGANUI-THAMES-AUCKLAND SKY TOWER, NIGHTLIFE, VOLCANOES
Today leaving Mt Maunganui behind us you will see a glimpse of rural New Zealand, as we pass through small pioneer towns such as Katikati, the ‘mural’ town of New Zealand, and Waihi where the gold rush, which began in the 1800s, still continues today (in a more modern way). We travel on to Paeroa, where some unique landmarks pay homage to the iconic Kiwi soft drink ‘Lemon & Paeroa’ which was named after the town. In Thames, those travelling to the Coromandel Peninsula can connect directly with the Coromandel coach and head on to visit some incredible native bush, a beach where the water is boiling hot and one of the most beautiful coves in New Zealand. For those who are heading on to Auckland, we continue on to meet the southern motorway and traverse the famous Bombay Hills and then deliver you back into the city via the AJ Hackett Bungy and Bridge Climb by early afternoon. There will still be enough time to do some of the Auckland’s other sights, such as jumping off the Skytower or catching a ferry to a nearby island. For a few extra dollars, if you have not visited Waitomo, we recommend you take the following alternative route (below) from Mt Maunganui via Waitomo to Auckland which is available on selected days.
Approximate arrival time into Auckland is 1.00pm
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.
