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