TranzAlpine Train: Christchurch to Greymouth

PLAINS, SOUTHERN ALPS, BEECH RAINFORESTS

This trip has been named as one of the world's great scenic rail journeys. You will travel between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. This four and a half our journey takes you across the Canterbury Plains and farmland then continuing on through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train climbs into the Southern Alps stopping at Arthur's Pass Village for some fresh alpine air before heading down through beech rainforests to the West Coast town of Greymouth. Words really don't do this fantastic journey justice whether in winter snow or during summer.

Approximate arrival time into Greymouth is 12.45pm.
Hop off the train today and stay at: Arthur's Pass

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

Coastal Pacific Train Christchurch to Picton

This amazing five hour rail journey, which will take you through 22 tunnels and over 175 bridges, departs Christchurch at 7am heading north. Initially you will pull out of the ‘Garden City’ and head up the east coast of the island. On one side of the train you have spectacular mountain ranges and on the other the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline. Try and spot dolphins, seals and penguins from the comfort of your carriage. You can break your journey by jumping off to overnight in the village of Kaikoura for whale watching and to swim with the dolphins, or continue on direct to Picton. You will travel through the hilly wine country of Marlborough and have a very brief stop in Blenheim. Approximate arrival time in Picton is 12.10pm. 

WELLINGTON - TAUPO

RARE BIRDS, TUI HQ, DESERT ROAD

Today we head north out of Wellington travelling over the Rimutaka Ranges. The height of the ranges provides you with some great views of the countryside. Continuing north we travel through Masterton and some lush Wairarapa farmland before we reach Pukaha Mt Bruce – a wildlife sanctuary. This amazing complex is home to kiwi, tuatara and other critically endangered native New Zealand wildlife. It is even home to Manukura - an amazingly rare white Kiwi. Born in May 2011 she is already a favourite for all visitors. After leaving Mt Bruce we head on to Mangatainoka; the home of Tui beer. This is a true iconic ‘Kiwi’ landmark. We will stop here for lunch so take time to taste the beer, eat some ‘Kiwi tucker’ and even learn some of the ‘His-Tui’ of the brewery. After lunch we’ll head off through the Manawatu and up to the Tongariro National Park. This unique barren landscape forms part of New Zealand's only official ‘desert’, the Rangipo Desert - where we stop for spectacular photos of the National Park and the mountains.

For film buffs, this scenery is also another welcome to Lord of the Rings country, with amazing photo opportunities of the Tongariro National Park, live volcanoes and the Tolkien inspired 'Mt. Doom'. We drive through Turangi before following the lake into Taupo arriving mid afternoon. If you are finishing your trip in Auckland, we recommend you spend at least 1 night in Taupo to enjoy the many activities such as taking a jet boat ride on the Waikato River or Bungy jump above it. Experience one of the best thrills in NZ, skydiving from 15,000 feet you can see both coasts of the North Island and the sprawling Lake Taupo. It’s without a doubt the best way to see the Central Plateau. Taupo is also the starting point for any passengers heading off to New Zealand's Art Deco Capital Napier.

Hop off the bus today and stay at:  Turangi

If you are travelling north from Christchurch and finishing your trip in Auckland we recommend you catch the Waitomo Wanderer from Taupo or Rotorua. This will give you the chance to visit the famous Glowworm Caves which are over 30 million years old. Here you can view the amazing caverns and glowworms or be daring and have a go at one of the many activities Magic has on offer such as black water rafting, or abseiling into the caves (this is something you certainly won't have the chance to do too often!)

TAUPO - MT MAUNGANUI - THAMES

BEACHES, SURFING, CHILLING OUT

Departing Taupo we stop off just out of town to walk to the mighty Huka Falls throwing over 200,000 litres of water each second – it’s a stunning sight, no wonder it’s New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. The name Huka is the Maori word for 'foam', which is appropriate as the falling water and rapids certainly resembles it. We then head in to Rotorua at approximately 8.30am which will give you the chance to meet up with the East Escape service which runs out to Gisborne and Tatapouri – this is an amazing experience and one we definitely recommend to those people with a couple of days up their sleeve. Leaving Rotorua behind we carry on to the north-west, stopping off for a short wander through the Magic Forest and to learn a little about conservation. The next stop is Tauranga and then onto the chilled out beach town of Mt Maunganui where you have enough time to grab something to eat, or relax on the beautiful beaches and soak up the atmosphere of this iconic Kiwi holiday destination. We recommend you stay an extra night to relax, join the sun-seekers and hit the surf; which is enhanced by an artificial reef. Leaving Mt Maunganui we 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 1800’s 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 'Lemon & Paeroa'. In Thames, those travelling to the Coromandel will connect onto their service and start their journey around the peninsula where you will see stunning native bush, a beach where the water is boiling hot and one of the most beautiful coves in New Zealand.

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Rotorua, Mt Maunganui

THAMES - COROMANDEL TOWN - WHITIANGA

BEACHES, SANDY COVES, RELAXED LIFESTYLE

For those who purchase this great add-on, your Coromandel adventure starts by heading up the west coast of the Peninsula to your first destination; Coromandel Town. For those deciding to hop off and spend more time in this picturesque town, there is so much to do you will not be disappointed. The tour carries on through some amazing stops to our overnight destination of Whitianga. There is so much on offer in Whitianga, including beaches, shopping and some great pubs and bars. Spend a couple of days here and you will well and truly be converted to the kiwi beach way of life. 
From Whitianga we strongly recommend that all passengers take the chance to make their way to Hahei and Hot Water Beach. If the tide is right, you will be able to dig a hole in the sand and enjoy your very own hot natural pool. From Whitianga you can also visit the famous Cathedral Cove. This secluded spot has been used for the backdrop for the movie ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian’, as well as appearing in countless postcards and when you get there you'll understand why. Kayaking and boat trips are available and for those of you who would love a walk on the beach you are really in for a treat, the setting is just breathtaking (you should be able to do the return walk in about an hour)., 

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Coromandel Town

WHITIANGA - THAMES

COASTAL DRIVE, BIRDLIFE, POHUTUKAWA TREES

An early start this morning as we take the quick but incredibly unique route back to Thames, so be sure to have the camera ready for the gorgeous coastal villages you will pass and views that will blow you away. Upon arrival in Thames you will board your connecting bus to travel north to Auckland or south to Rotorua. If you are connecting to Auckland you will have time to explore the quaint town of Thames before your afternoon connection, or consider continuing on to Coromandel Town and catching the ferry back to Auckland through the Hauraki Gulf.
 

THAMES - AUCKLAND

From Thames we head back to Auckland. If Auckland is the end of your journey, why don’t you drop into the Magic office and share your travel stories with us, tell us what a great time you had and bring in some of the photos you’ve taken along your way. You never know, with your photo’s you could win you back the cost of your pass.