Frequently Asked Questions

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How do Highlights packages work? Is accommodation guaranteed?
Highlights packages are pre-booked fixed itinerary packages. They include Pre-booked Transport on the Magic Bus and accommodation in YHA hostels at the compulsory overnight stops. Highlights passes can only be purchased before you arrive in New Zealand and we need at least 72 hours notice to book and confirm these passes. Once confirmed we send you a letter detailing what to do when you arrive, this letter includes a voucher to pay for your transfer from the airport so you do need to bring it with you. Once booked and confirmed a NZ$50.00 amendment fee will be charged for any changes you wish to make.
What is the difference between Highlights packages and Freedom of New Zealand?
Highlights packages are pre-booked accommodation packages. Your itinerary is arranged at the time of booking and your itinerary is fixed. Freedom of New Zealand packages provide accommodation vouchers that you use for your accommodation in YHA hostels around New Zealand. You can purchase either 14, 21 or 28 vouchers. You need to book your own accommodation as you travel, and your itinerary is flexible.
Can Magic guarantee general accommodation?
Magic are unable to guarantee general accommodation, however our drivers are more than willing to assist you with your bookings throughout your journey. If you are on a tight schedule, or during the summer months, it is advisable to pre-book in some of the more popular destinations. It is also advisable to pre-book your accommodation if you specifically want double or single rooms.
What is a 24 hour seat guarantee?
Once you have started travelling on your Magic pass all you need to give us is 24 hours notice for your next date of travel and we will guarantee you a seat on the bus. This allows you greater flexibility to hop on and off and decide as you go how long you want to spend in each place.
How does Magic 'Transport Pass' work, what are the overnight stops?
Magic operates a hop on hop off coach network throughout New Zealand. Once you have started travelling your pass is valid for 12 months and you can hop on and off the coach anywhere on the route that is covered by your pass. The compulsory overnight stops are indicated by the red dots shown on the maps. These indicate the resting place of the coach (and driver) each night so you must stay there, but you can stay anywhere else you want on the route.
How do I book my activities?
On board each Magic coach is a comprehensive guidebook to accommodation and activities for each destination on the Magic circuit. Contact details are included if you wish to call and make your own arrangements for the activity, or our drivers will be more than happy to assist you in booking these, or you can call the Magic office and we can book them for you. An indication of the activities on offer can be seen on the activities page.
Is the price of the Interisland ferry included in the price?
Highlights packages as shown on the Highlights page include the ferry where applicable. Other passes do not include the cost of the ferry, but you can book this through the Magic office or with your driver.
Are domestic flights within New Zealand included in the price?
Coach and Jet Passes as shown on the Coach and Jet page include a domestic flight within New Zealand. These are ideal if you are on limited time and are arriving and departing from the same destination. Other domestic flights can be booked by the Magic office.
Is the price of the train included in the pass price?
All passes that indicate a rail journey have the cost of this journey included in the price.
Are meals included?
Meals are not included in the price of your pass. Magic drivers do stop at convenience stores and fruit and vegetable shops along the way to allow you to stock up on groceries.
Can I hop on and off the coach where ever I like?
Yes you can hop on and off the coach anywhere on the Magic circuit. Your next driver will collect you from the point at which you were dropped off.
How long are Magic passes valid for?
Magic passes are valid for 12 months from the first date of travel.
What days do Magic Connections leave?
The days of departure for Magic Connections vary depending on the season. For up to date information check the bottom of the relevant timetable on the timetables page.
Hostel departure times?
Departure times vary from town to town. Details can be found on the Departure times page.
If I'm not staying at Magic hostels will I be picked up, or where do I need to go?
Magic coaches pick-up and drop-off at selected hostels in each destination. If you are not staying in one of these hostels your driver or the Magic office can tell you where the closest pick-up point is.
What time does the TranzAlpine train leave Christchurch? How do we get to the train station?
The TranzAlpine train departs Christchurch at 8.15am, arriving into Greymouth at 12.45pm, check-in is at least 20 minutes before departure. There is a free courtesy shuttle from most Christchurch hostels to the Christchurch train station so check with the hostel you are staying with in Christchurch to find out where you need to go to catch the free shuttle.
Will there be a pick-up from the ferry terminal when I arrive off the Interisland ferry into Picton or Wellington?
Travelling Wellington to Picton - The Magic coach departs Picton at 12.30pm so if you are travelling on the 8.25am ferry sailing you can meet the Magic coach outside the Picton ferry terminal and continue on to Nelson on the same day. If you wish to overnight in Picton you can re-join the Magic coach outside the ferry terminal the next day.
Travelling Picton to Wellington - Coaches arrive in Picton in time for you to join the 1.15pm sailing to Wellington. You will need to overnight in Wellington and join the Magic coach the next morning. You can get a shuttle to the Wellington hostels for a small charge.
If we make a booking over the internet how will we receive our tickets?
When you book your pass through our website a ticket will appear on the screen for you to print. If you have purchased a Highlights or Freedom of New Zealand pass your travel documents will be waiting for you at reception of the hostel we book you into for your first night. All other passengers will recieve any required documentation from their driver on the first day of travel.
How long before I would like to start travelling is it best to make a booking?
If you are wanting to book a Highlights, Freedom of New Zealand or Explorer Break pass we require at least 72 hours to get this booked and confirmed for you. For a Transport Only Pass you only need to book 24 hours in advance to guarantee a space on the coach but we would advise you to book sooner especially if your pass includes a train as we are not able to guarantee seats on the train.