AUCKLAND - WELLINGTON

Today you will fly from Auckland to Wellington.  The flight time is approximately 1 hour.

WELLINGTON - PICTON - NELSON

GOLDENBEACHES, NATIONAL PARKS, SAILING ADVENTURES

This morning you need to make your own way to the ferry terminal where you can catch the inter-island ferry across the stunning Cook Strait, through the Marlborough Sounds, and onto the South Island (please note: the price of the ferry is not included in some passes). This is a fantastic journey with more uniquely New Zealand scenery to see on your voyage. The Magic bus will meet you as you disembark the ferry in Picton. This is a great little town full of life and great things to do. It is also a perfect place to spend a night or two if you would like to explore the world renowned Marlborough Sound and Queen Charlotte track a little more. If you decide to leave town you will quickly begin the next part of the journey by heading through the beautiful countryside and famous wine regions toward Nelson; where you will arrive late afternoon. Nelson 'the sunshine capital of NZ' is an arty city, has a relaxed atmosphere and is the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. If you have time in your itinerary visit New Zealand’s smallest national park, a beautiful region with golden beaches, sparkling waters and plenty of activities on offer including kayaking, hiking and sailing. Approximate arrival time in Nelson is 3.30pm. 

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Picton

NELSON - GREYMOUTH

BREWERY TOUR, WHITEBAIT FRITTERS, ‘COASTER’ HOSPITALITY

After leaving Nelson, we journey over the Hope Saddle and through the picturesque Buller Gorge to New Zealand's 'Wild West Coast'. This is one of the more remote, rugged and most sparsely populated areas of the country. Today you will become aware of the amazing scenery and warm welcome that the West Coast is famous for. First stop on the coast is Cape Foulwind, named so by Captain Cook after his ship was blown off course here as he explored New Zealand’s waters. The cape is home to a New Zealand Fur Seal breeding colony which you will have the chance to view. Travelling south down the ‘Coast Road’, one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world and on through Paparoa National Park, acoastal forest with limestone cliffs, canyons, caves and home to the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. We stop off here to view these amazing rock formations which are especially dramatic when the sea is in full swing. Jump back onboard and enjoy coastal views all the way to Greymouth, our overnight stop. Tonight in Greymouth we recommend you take part in a tour of the (very kiwi) Monteiths Brewery including beer tasting and dinner at a local pub (hotel). It's a great chance to meet some of the interesting locals and fellow travellers. Approximate arrival time in Greymouth is 5.00pm.

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Punakaiki

GREYMOUTH - FRANZ JOSEF

GLACIER HIKING, GOLD, UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS

This morning we travel further down the West Coast before stopping in the township of Hokitika, famous for its often crazy local cuisine and Pounamu (Greenstone). Traces of the ‘gold rush’ times of the that brought thousands upon thousands of wannabe miners and gold panners to the area in the mid 1800s are still evident in the historic town of Ross, we’ll even give you a chance to try some panning yourself and find some of your very own New Zealand gold. 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 fantastic introduction to an enthralling world of ice. The new Ice Explorer is a short heli hop from the township which takes you into the remarkable Pinnacles area of the glacier. Here your guide will navigate you through a maze of ice and explain the dramatic environmental changes over the last few years. Those not taking part in the Ice Explorer today can be taken to the glacier lookout before being dropped at accommodation. If glaciers aren't your thing, another option here is to go kayaking on the scenic Lake Mapourika, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. Tonight, relax the night away in the Glacier Hot Pools.

Approximate arrival time into Franz Josef in winter is 12.00pm and summer is 1.00pm.

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Hokitika

FRANZ JOSEF - WANAKA

WATERFALLS, MIRROR LAKE, MOUNTAINS

First up this morning we will pass through Fox Glacier, another small village nestled next to a huge and dramatic glacier. Fox Glacier is also the home of one of New Zealand’s most picturesque spots; Lake Matheson. Often referred to as 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 through Haast and further away from the west coast the scenery changes from dense forest to boulder-filled river beds, cliff faces and incredibly powerful waterfalls. Make sure you snap a photo of the Gates of Haast – a truly amazing valley littered with huge boulders. After this the scenery will take another change and we head into the vast plateaus and many lakes of the Central Otago region. Make sure you have your cameras ready as we pass Lake Hawea and shortly after Lake Wanaka. At the head of the lake is the town of Wanaka. This is where we stop for the night – but not before we’ve taken you to Puzzling World – an amazing mind bending experience that will push your limits and one that you’re sure to love.

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Fox Glacier, Makarora

WANAKA - QUEENSTOWN

UNLIMITED ADVENTURE, GREAT NIGHTLIFE, PANORAMIC VIEWS

This morning we head out of town and get you set for a huge day of adventure and exhilaration. Firstly we drop into the birthplace of Bungy jumping, the Kawarau Bridge. The bridge, which is 42 metres above the Kawarau River, is the site of the world's first commercial bungy jump. We dare you to jump - something you will never forget! From here we make our way past Lake Hayes and into Arrowtown. Arrowtown has an amazingly rich history and as such we’ll give you the time to explore the quaint shops, the Chinese settler’s village and historic buildings in town. In autumn the colours are amazing. From Arrowtown we’ll head onto Arthur’s Point; which is situated on a bend in the Shotover River. This is also the home of the world renowned Shotover Jet, and also the launch point for whitewater rafting. Be sure to get out onto the river if you’ve not yet had enough excitement in your day! We head into Queenstown early in the afternoon where there are endless activity options, from mild to wild. We have allowed two nights in Queenstown (but many people prefer to stay longer) to soak it all up.

Approximate arrival time in Queenstown is 1.30pm.

QUEENSTOWN - DUNEDIN

WILDLIFE, SCOTTISH HERITAGE, CHOCOLATE!!

Life slows 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 and onto 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 in 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 Peninsula to spot Yellow-eyed penguins, albatross, sea lions and fur seals up close. For something quite different, visit the Cadbury chocolate factory where free samples are included! Another Magic recommended option is to visit Larnach Castle and then finish off a great day by joining the evening Speights brewery tour. Approximate arrival time into Dunedin is 12.45pm. 

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Cromwell

DUNEDIN - MOERAKI BOULDERS - LAKE 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 bus! The next stop is a walk on the beach to see the Moeraki Boulders, huge great rocks scattered across the seashore renowned for their unique spherical shape. Next we pass through the historic stone town of Oamaru where you can hop off to do activities such as visiting the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony or enjoy one of the many walks in the area. If it’s the country you are after we recommend you hop off the bus just out of Oamaru in a country village called Kurow where you can stay on a working farm for a real New Zealand experience. 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 village, 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. Tekapo is a great place to get together with your fellow travellers and share a group meal. Approximate arrival time into Lake Tekapo is 2.30pm. 

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Oamaru or Glenmac Farmstay

LAKE TEKAPO – CHRISTCHURCH

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. The bus then heads across the Canterbury Plains, the largest area of flat land in NZ and a huge contrast to our previous days travel! Those flying out from Christchurch today can be dropped off beside the airport after accommodation drop off around the city. Approximate arrival time into Christchurch is 11.30am.

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Geraldine