Meet The Crew
| The comings and goings of the people that make Magic what it is today. | ||
MEET THE CREW
Here are the people that bring you the MAGIC every day of the year.
Introducing your Driver/ Guide's
Mangu
Mangu is one of the original backpacker tour coach drivers in New Zealand. He has a laid-back approach in most of the things that he does, and his favourite pastime is fishing. Mangu recommends Tamaki as a great activity to do, because his passengers “aren’t going to see it anywhere else!” You will enjoy a day on the coach with Mangu.
Dusty
Dusty is one of the newest drivers working for Magic, and according to Rangi, has one of the best commentaries between Paeroa and Thames that you could imagine. He enjoys skiing because “we’ve got mountains, bro!” and Magic can arrange ski packages for visitors to Queenstown in the winter months. He also likes doing things fast, and his motorbike and jetski are testament to this.
Greg K
Not to be confused with North Island driver Greg C, South Island driver Greg K originates from Southland, and won’t let me say when he was born because he is embarrassed. He list’s his favourite pastime as ‘driving for Magic’, which suggests he’s worried about job security as well! Greg recommends the “Funyaks” with Dart River Safari because you get to see some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand.
Stu
1030 Stu was born in Switzerland in 1913. He enjoys watching “The Sound of Music”, and regularly stars in musicals. Stu recommends everyone in New Zealand “Catches a ride on the Stu Express” because its an experience of a lifetime! When Stu arrives back to New Zealand from Europe later this year, he’ll probably want this changed, so make the most of it while you can!
Eric
Eric is a Magic utility driver, and currently finds himself in the South Island. He enjoys sailing, and recommends the heli-hike to all his passengers because “Its awesome”. Asked whether he had an inspirational comment to give the world via the Magic, he said “not really”. Thanks Eric!
Karl
Karl was born in 1976 in Wanganui, and has just started working for Magic again after a stint away. Karl is also fond of the heli-hike in Franz Josef, and he recommends it because “you see the most breathtaking and unusual scenery” In his downtime, Karl enjoys listening to live music and going to the beach. A great place for doing that on the Magic circuit is Mt Maunganui, which is one of Magic’s 7 ‘must-do’ experiences.
Rik
Rik was born in 1987 in Holland, but has lived in Mt Maunganui for ages! He recommends the Taupo Tandem Skydive as the best activity to do in New Zealand because its an “awesome experience”. Rik enjoys participating in triathalon’s, and working in his many fast-food restaurants around the country (Colonel Sanders).
Glen
Glen is a Waikato man born and bred (although we don’t hold that against him!). Glen was having a day off as these profiles were put together so without talking to him I assume that his hobbies include macramé, model railways and plane spotting. Glen also really enjoys the work Christmas party.
Dave
Dave is the Magic Marathon Man….just like our buses will keep running and running. Any outdoor activities are right up Dave’s alley - particularly skiing. Oh and he has a large repertoire of particularly bad jokes which you are sure to encounter on your travels with him.
Murray
Murray is our Bay of Islands representative in the Magic Bus driver family. One of our newest drivers Murray has found himself right at home taking you all to Paihia and Whitianga. When he’s not driving Murray loves watersports such as fishing, diving and boating. He is usually also busy tending to a litter of puppies from his dog in his home town of Kerikeri.
Mike
Another one of our newer drivers going to the Bay of Islands, Mike comes to us fresh from work as a driver in Europe. Therefore we can assume Mike is fluent in many European languages although all we get is Double Dutch and occasionally ‘Pardon my French’.
Greg
Greg is from Carterton in the Wairarapa. One of our senior drivers he is often found harassing the office, annoying the staff and generally being a nuisance. He is addicted to energy drinks so make sure that he has at least one bottle of ‘V’ before leaving in the morning.
Joe
Joe adds some Ozzie flavour to Magic Bus. He is a former professional rugby league player and has many years driving experience around the world. In fact he once was a personal driver for The Corrs! One of his favourite past times is pronouncing Maori place names so be sure to ask him for a few examples. And don’t forget to have your $2 coins ready for a game of bus bowling.
Introducing the Office Crew
Emily Bell
How long have you been with Magic? 2 years
Favourite Place in NZ? Opononi, Waipoua Forest Footprints Tour
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Skydive in Taupo
Favourite Quote: Why are trains more expensive than buses - because they're longer
Miki Whyte
How long have you been with Magic? 3 years
Favourite Place in NZ? Auckland - there's no place like home
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Kawerau Bridge Bungy & Swoop in Rotorua
Favourite Quote: God doesn't require us to succeed, he only requires that you try
Natania Gounder
How long have you been with Magic? 7 months
Favourite Place in NZ? Rotorua
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Swimming with the Dolphins
Favourite Quote: The Past. It's done. It's unchangable. Move on!
Kate Gordge
How long have you been with Magic? 7 months
Favourite Place in NZ? Whangamata, the nicest beaches in NZ
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy
Favourite Quote: But why's all the rum gone?
Nigel Spence
How long have you been with Magic? 6 months
Favourite Place in NZ? Christchurch
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Watching the Warriors
Favourite Quote: I'm not weird, I'm just different
Matt Wall
How long have you been with Magic? 2 months
Favourite Place in NZ? Bay of Islands
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Back country skiing on the Southern Alps
Favourite Quote: Give it a go!!!
Rob Burnell
How long have you been with Magic? 4+ years
Favourite Place in NZ? Hokianga, Northland – you want to see the real NZ and be amongst people you feel you have known for a lifetime, then this is the place. Very special and one of Magic’s unique stops
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Being a Dad.x 2, you can’t beat it
Favourite Quote: “Hard work never killed anyone but I figure why take the chance”
Sally Grbin
How long have you been with Magic? 3 years
Favourite Place in NZ? Abel Tasman National Park – beautiful!
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Standing on the edge of the platform before a bungy jump
Favourite Quote: The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page
Bobby Sinclair
How long have you been with Magic? 8 years
Favourite Place in NZ? Mt Smart Stadium
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Any New Zealand Warriors league game.
Favourite Quote: If you rest, you rust.
Emma Faire
How long have you been with Magic? On and off since 2000
Favourite Place in NZ? Tawharanui
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Sky dive with Taupo Tandem Skydive
Favourite Quote: Today Is the Tomorrow We Worried about Yesterday
Tracey Kenny
How long have you been with Magic? 3 years
Favourite Place in NZ? Too many to just name one but if I have to then… Wanaka
Best adrenaline rush in NZ? Skydiving from 15,000 feet a few weeks ago!
Favourite Quote: 'Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself you bloody well better find a way that is going to be interesting.'
