AUCKLAND - THAMES - ROTORUA

CITY OF SAILS, COROMANDEL GATEWAY, HOBBITS, MAORI CULTURE & HOT POOLS

For many Magic Travellers this is the start of your New Zealand adventure and what a great day we have in store for you. First up we take you on a short scenic drive through Auckland city, locally known as the City of Sails. After taking in some stunning panoramas, we travel southeast over the Bombay Hills and out onto the Hauraki Plains. We will then cross the new Kopu bridge and stop into Thames. Thames is the starting point for any passengers heading off to one of New Zealand's best regional destinations - the Coromandel Peninsula.

From Thames we continue onto Paeroa, where can you grab a bottle of New Zealand’s most famous drink; Lemon and Paeroa (also known as L&P).  We’ll then give you a chance pose for a group photo with the world famous (in NZ) giant L&P bottle. At 7 metres high, the bottle is a permanent reminder of the therapeutic Paeroa Springs water discovered before 1900, which, with the addition of a squeeze of lemon, became known as New Zealand’s national soft drink.

After we leave Paeroa, we head into the spa town of Te Aroha, which translates from Maori to English as  ‘The place of love’. Jump off and spend the night here if you want to climb Mount Te Aroha or relax in hot soda springs to ease away any aches and pains.

Our next stop will be where we will at the Shires Rest near Matamata - home of the now world famous Hobbiton movie set. This stop will have you immersed in stunning New Zealand farmland and overlooking the rugged Kaimai Ranges. This is your chance to eat lunch and relax, feed the friendly sheep, get involved in some sheep shearing and even try authentic Lord of the Rings beer! Hop off the bus and do a tour of set as seen in The Lord of the Rings movies and the upcoming movie; The Hobbit. The detail of the set is amazing and is like stepping into a new world.

After leaving The Shires Rest we will give you the opportunity to take part in a truly unique New Zealand activity; OGO. The OGO is a 3 metre (11 foot) transparent sphere constructed from over 100 square metres (300 square feet) of plastic. It;s pumped full of air to make a beautiful big ball that you can jump inside and tumble down a hill. OGO Rotorua provides your very own play-paddock where you can spend the afternoon rolling down our purpose built 250 meter long tracks. You can OGO solo or as a double or triple! If you’re the adventurous type you should definitely try the Fishpipe! If you didn’t come prepared with towels and a change of clothes these can be provided by the OGO team too.

To end your day on the bus we’ll take you into our overnight destination of Rotorua. Rotorua is a mind blowing town where Maori culture and thermal activity combine to make an incredibly unique destination. Upon arrival, take a deep breath and the smell of Rotorua will fill your nostrils…. beware it does resemble the smell of rotten eggs! The dense sulphur deposits all over the city provide this pungent aroma.

Look out for steam rising from the ground on a scenic tour of the city via Government Gardens and Lake Rotorua. This will be followed by experiencing a heartfelt cultural welcome to the area at the Realm of Tane, which will take you on a short journey through Maori culture, mythology and stories. This evening, make sure you take the opportunity to try a superb Tamaki Maori Hangi (dinner) and Concert – a true New Zealand experience that shouldn’t be missed!! We recommend you spend more than one night in Rotorua as there is so much to do in this exceptional place; including volunteering in the Magic Forest, epic whitewater rafting down the Kaituna River or relaxing in hot pools – you will also have a chance to do all of these activities tomorrow as we do not leave Rotorua until 11.30am (please note pick up times). Approximate arrival into Rotorua is 4pm. 

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Thames or Te Aroha

ROTORUA - TAUPO

GEOTHERMAL MUD, HUKA FALLS, SKYDIVING

Today we depart Rotorua beginning our pickups at 11.15am – giving you a great chance to indulge in some more activities such as gondola rides, riding luges or off-road driving. This morning will really make you fall in love with what Rotorua has to offer you

This morning also gives you the chance to hop on the Geyserlink shuttle and head out to the spectacular Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonderland, famous for vivid mud pools and the Lady Knox Geyser. The Geyserlink shuttle will allow you time to see the Lady Knox geyser which erupts at 10.15am everyday of the year like clockwork, shooting jets of water reaching up to 20 meters and lasting for over an hour. You will also have plenty of time to wander around the park and see the other thermal wonders including the Champagne Pool. If you do choose to take the Geyserlink shuttle the Magic bus will pick you up from Wai-O-Tapu before we continue onto Taupo and our next incredible stop - the mighty Huka Falls. The falls throw over 200,000 litres of water a second into the river below. Those in for an adrenaline rush you will have the chance to try out the Huka Jet boat on the Waikato River. Ride up to the base of the falls or if you want you can even Bungy jump above them.

For those wanting to experience one of the best thrills in NZ, Taupo is one of the most amazing places in New Zealand to skydive. From 15,000 feet you can even see both coasts of the North Island. If you are not partaking in these adrenaline activities we continue into the town, situated on the edge of a lake bigger than the entire country of Singapore. In true Kiwi fashion all this water means there are heaps of things to do. Make sure you spend two nights here if you can to enjoy all the activities available. The nightlife in Taupo is outstanding, with many bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from.

Approximate arrival time in Taupo is 2.30pm.

TAUPO - WAITOMO - NATIONAL PARK

GLOWWORMS, TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING, MOUNTAIN WATERFALL

Today we head northwest to Waitomo to visit the famous Waitomo 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!). For those not partaking in the caving experiences, you can relax in the village and enjoy a bite to eat at the local pub.

We depart Waitomo early in the afternoon and head towards Te Kuiti - the sheep shearing capital of the world - before heading through some beautiful King Country farmland and onto Taumarunui; here you can pick up supplies from the supermarket for the evenings meal. Before you get to National Park, where we will stop overnight, we take you to Whakapapa Village in the heart of the Tongariro National Park. You have time here to enjoy a nature walk to the amazing Tawhai Falls and explore the Whakapapa Visitor Centre. This centre is full of information on the National Park, the ski fields and hiking tracks, local Maori stories and the volcanic history of the area. 

Take some time to admire the elegant Tongariro Chateau set in spectacular grounds with the stunning backdrop of Mt Ruapehu. In winter you’ll get a chance to play in the snow, make a snowman or have a snow fight with your travelling friends. Approximate arrival time in National Park is 5.00pm.

National Parkis the departure point for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This track is commonly known as New Zealand's best one day trek. You will need to spend at least two nights in National Park to undertake the walk that will take you into the middle of the active volcano field and to the slopes of famed ‘Lord of the Rings’ location of Mt Doom. National Park is also the departure point to canoe the Whanganui River which runs through the Whanganui National Park, a dense native rainforest with a wide rage of native birds including the Brown Kiwi.

Hop off the bus today and stay at: Waitomo  

NATIONAL PARK - WELLINGTON

CAPITALCITY, TE PAPA, CAFÉ CULTURE

Today we travel south around the Tongariro National Park with stunning views of Mt Ruapehu. We head through the alpine town of Ohakune; which is known affectionately as New Zealand’s ‘Home of Carrots’. On a sunny day make sure you ask your driver to stop for a photo with the giant carrot!! After your ‘carrot encounter’ we will briefly pass through Waiouru, the New Zealand Army training headquarters – so keep your head down! Later in the day we pass through the imaginatively named town of Bulls an ‘unforget-a-Bull town like no udder. Make sure you pay attention and try and spot a few of the unique shop names like the café ‘Delect-a-Bull’, but avoid the police station; ‘Consta-Bull’. Traveling down the Kapiti Coast, look to the right of the bus and see Kapiti Island - a bird and marine reserve and home to some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife. The road continues and follows the Tararua Ranges which form a dramatic backdrop along the length of the coastline. We arrive into Wellington, New Zealand's capital city in the afternoon. The first stop is to view New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings; including the iconic 'Beehive'. From here we leave downtown Wellington and head to the summit of Mt Victoria. Here you will see some priceless 360 degree panoramic views of Wellington, Cook Strait and the surrounding area. There's plenty to keep you busy in Wellington including lively cafes. One definite ‘do not miss’ is a  visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. Approximate arrival time in Wellington is 3.00pm.

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 - MOUNT MAUNGANUI - AUCKLAND

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. For those who are heading on to Auckland, we continue on to meet the southern motorway, traverse the famous Bombay Hills and then deliver you back into the city. We recommend you stay a few nights in Auckland to do some of the sights, such as jumping off the Skytower, bungy jumping from the Auckland Harbour Bridge or catching a ferry to a nearby island. Approximate arrival time into Auckland is 3.30pm.

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. 

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