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TRAVEL ALL NZ FOR ONLY $399

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Frequently Asked Questions

      1. How do Highlights packages work? Is accommodation guaranteed?
        Highlights packages are pre-booked accommodation packages using YHA hostels through out New Zealand. Highlights passes can only be purchased off-shore and at least 72 hours notice is required to book these passes and guarantee accommodation. As these are pre-booked, once booked and confirmed a NZ$50.00 amendment fee will be charged on any amendments made to Highlights packages.
      2. 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 will need to book your own accommodation as you travel, and your itinerary is flexible.
      3. 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.

      4. 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.

      5. 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 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 are in effect compulsory stops.

      6. How do I book my activities?
        On board each Magic coach is a comprehensive guidebook to accommodation and activities in 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. An indication of the activities on offer can be seen on the activities page.

      7. 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.

      8. 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.

      9. 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.

      10. Are meals included?
        Meals are not included in the price of your pass. Magic drivers do however stop at convenience stores and fruit and vegetable shops along the way to allow you to stock up on groceries.

      11. Can I hop on and off the coach where ever I like?
        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.

      12. How long are Magic passes valid for?
        Magic passes are valid for 12 months from the first date of travel.

      13. What days do Magic Connections leave?
        The days of departure for Magic Connections can vary depending on the season. For up to date information check the bottom of the relevant timetable on the timetables page.

      14. Hostel pick-up times?
        Hostel times vary from town to town. Details can be found on the Departure times page.

      15. If I'm not staying at Magic hostels will I be picked up, or where do I need to go?
        Magic coaches will pick-up and drop-off at selected hostels in each destination. If you are not staying in one of these hostels then your driver can advise you of where the closest stop will be and you can make your way there for your departure.

      16. 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 ay 12.45pm. 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.

      17. 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 1.00pm so if you are travelling on the 9.30am ferry sailing you can meet the Magic coach at 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 at the ferry terminal the next day.
        Travelling Picton to Wellington - Coaches arrive in Picton in time for you to join the 1.30pm sailing to Wellington.  You will need to overnight in Wellington and join the Magic coach the next morning. On arrival in Wellington you can take a free shuttle from the ferry terminal to the train station. From here it is around a $2 fare to get to the Wellington hostels.

      18. If we make a booking over the internet how will we receive our tickets?
        When your reservation is confirmed you will be supplied with a booking reference (PNR) number. On joining the Magic coach for your first day of travel your driver will issue you with a ticket which is to be kept with you for the remainder of your journey. If you have purchased a transport and accommodation pass your travel documents will be waiting for you on arrival at your hostel for the first nights accommodation.

      19. How long before I would like to start travelling is it best to make a booking?
        If you are wanting to book a Highlights or Freedom of New Zealand pass we require at least 72 hours to get this booked and confirmed for you. For a standard Transport Pass it is not necessary to give this much notice but during summer months (Nov-Mar) it would pay to book as far in advance as you can to ensure that you can depart on the day you want to.