Magic Pass detail
Tranzalpine & The North
This pass starts in Christchurch and finishes in Auckland
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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 before stopping in the township of 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 take time to do a spot of gold panning later in the morning. Heading further south we enter Westland National Park, an area containing numerous scenic lakes, dense forests, many of the Southern Alps highest peaks and two amazingly accessible glaciers. Time for more adventure! We arrive into the alpine village of Franz Josef 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 within the midst of the Southern Alps. 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 the scenic Lake Mapourika, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks.
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 village nestled next to a glacier before stopping off at Lake Matheson. Often called the ‘Mirror Lake’, it is famous for its reflections of the Southern Alps which dominate the skyline - perfect for those picture postcard photos. As we head inland away from the west coast via Haast and Makarora, the scenery changes from dense forest to vast plateaus as we enter the Central Otago region. Make sure you have your cameras ready as we pass Lake Hawea and shortly after, Lake Wanaka – a popular and recommended overnight stop. Next up, is a stop at the home of the bungy, the Kawarau Bridge, 42m over the Kawarau 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 the city that is known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin. A wonderful mixture of Victorian colonial history and contemporary cafes and bars, Dunedin also provides a great base to explore the largest variety of wildlife on the South Island. Upon arriving in Dunedin, get close to nature and join the highly recommended Elm Wildlife Tour that takes you to the Otago Peninsular to spot yellow-eyed penguins, Albatross, sea lions and fur 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 - MOERAKI BOULDERS - 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, huge great rocks just scattered across the seashore renowned for their unique spherical shape. If you are after a real New Zealand experience take the opportunity to jump off the coach after passing through the historic stone town of Oamaru, and stay at a working farm in Kurow. As we head on 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, a small town located at the end of a lake by the same name. There is a lot on offer here including an optional day trip to Mt Cook, kayaking on the lake, fantastic sightseeing flights of the Southern Alps or a sedate visit to 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 2.30pm.
Jump off the tourist route today and stay at: Oamaru or Glenmac Farmstay
Sector 11: TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH
GARDEN CITY, 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 before Methven, a rural Canterbury town. Methven is also the base for skiing Mt Hutt in the winter. The coach then heads through the Canterbury Plains, the largest area of flat land in NZ a huge contrast to our previous days travel! Before arrival into Christchurch, we venture across the Port Hills (weather dependent route) for views of Lyttleton Harbour finally stopping at the Sign of the Takahe for spectacular views of the Southern Alps and Christchurch City. Those flying out today can be dropped at the airport after accommodation drop offs.
Approximate arrival time into Christchurch is 2.30pm or 3.30pm at the airport.
Jump off the tourist route today and stay at: Geraldene or Methven
Sector 12: CHRISTCHURCH-KAIKOURA
WHALE WATCHING, SEAL COLONIES, GREEN GLOBE COMMUNITY
Upon leaving the Garden City this morning, we follow the rugged coastline up to Kaikoura, stopping enroute to visit a seal colony. The coach will arrive in the Green Globe community of Kaikoura in time to experience the lifetime thrill of whale watching or dolphin swimming don't miss out! The name 'Kaikoura' translates to 'meal of crayfish' so back on dry land make sure you try some fresh Crayfish or indulge in a traditional New Zealand fish & chip dinner here, voted one of the best places to do so!
Approximate arrival time in Kaikoura is 11.00am.
Sector 13: KAIKOURA-PICTON-WELLINGTON
WINE COUNTRY, MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS, COOK STRAIT
A slightly more leisurely departure time this morning so enjoy a lie in! We follow the Pacific coast north today, with our first stop being for those who want to experience the South Island seafood delicacies - mmm crayfish! We then travel inland through famous hilly pastures and wine country of Marlborough via the small and friendly township of Blenheim. We continue on to Picton, the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, in time to catch the early afternoon ferry across to Wellington (price of ferry not included in some passes). If you are travelling to Nelson, stay onboard the coach and you will arrive into Nelson late this afternoon.
Approximate arrival time in Wellington is 4.30pm.
Jump off the tourist route today and stay at: Blenheim or Picton
Sector 14: WELLINGTON-NAPIER
WILDLIFE, ART DECO, WINERIES
Today we start with a hilly climb out of Wellington through the Rimutaka Ranges. Our first stop en route gives you the chance to see a real Kiwi and also the ancient Tuatara at Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre. Whilst the Kiwi is a symbol of New Zealand, the Tuatara is one of New Zealand's rarest creatures and Magic are proud sponsors of the Tuatara Recovery Programme (see page 7 for more information). Heading further north, via a number of NZ's picturesque pioneer towns we arrive in Mangatainoka. It feels like the middle of nowhere but is in fact the home of the nationally famous Tui Brewery. Try a beer or two here or wait until later in the day when you wine connoisseurs might want to indulge in some tastings in Hawkes Bay wine country. We arrive into Napier by early afternoon with plenty of time to explore the unique buildings, and perhaps a local winery or two. Due to a major earthquake in the 1930s, this city had to be rebuilt and is now referred to as “The Art Deco Capital of NZ”. Enjoy your stay in another unique Magic spot.
Approximate arrival into Napier is 3.00pm.
Jump off the tourist route today and stay at: Hastings
Sector 15: NAPIER-TAUPO-ROTORUA-MT MAUNGANUI/TAURANGA
BEACHES, SURFING, CHILLING OUT
Leaving Napier today we journey through the hills stopping briefly at Opepe Historic reserve, the site of one of NZ's many Maori Wars battle sites. We continue on to the lakeside town of Taupo and then continue north to Wai-o-Tapu thermal wonderland. Meaning Sacred Waters, this stop gets you close to our most colourful volcanic environment. We arrive into Rotorua for lunch providing enough time to grab something to eat. For those of you passing through for the first time, we advise at least one night in both Taupo and Rotorua. Rotorua is also the departure point for two great Magic Connections the East EsCape, a minimum three day return trip, and the Waitomo Extension, a two day trip out to the caves - perfect for those who are finishing their journey in Auckland. Leaving Rotorua behind, we make a visit to Zorb - another very unique NZ adventure activity. Try it and you'll know why! The coach will then carry on to the north-east passing directly through the Magic Native Forest (where those of you partaking in volunteer work will be re-visiting), drop off any passengers staying in the wonderful Tauranga city and finally arrive in the chilled out beach town of Mt Maunganui arriving late afternoon. Many of our passengers like to stay a couple of days here to either relax or get involved in some of the many activities on offer including volunteer work, learning to surf or participate in the very special night-time kayaking to view glow-worms.
Approximate arrival into Tauranga is 4.00pm. Approximate arrival into Mount Maunganui is 4.20pm.
Jump off the tourist route today and stay at: Taupo or Rotorua
Sector 16: MT MAUNGANUI-THAMES-AUCKLAND
SKY TOWER, NIGHTLIFE, VOLCANOES
Leaving Mt Maunganui behind us, today 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. We travel on through the incredible bush lined cutting of the Karangahake Gorge to Paeroa, where some unique landmarks pay homage to the iconic Kiwi soft drink 'Lemon & Paeroa' which was named after the town. Grab a photo by the large L&P bottle before you leave! 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, read more on pages 71-79. 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 scenic Mission Bay, Tamaki Drive, Sir Michal Joseph Savage lookout and drop off at Kelly Tarltons Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World. There will still be enough time to do some of the Auckland's other sights, such as jumping off the Skytower, bungy jumping from the harbour bridge or catching a ferry to a nearby island.
Approximate arrival time into Auckland is 1.30pm.
Jump off the tourist route today and stay at: Thames or the Coromandel Penninsula
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.
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