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Auckland - Thames - RotoruaToday we take you to Mt Eden for the best view of Auckland and then travel southeast across the Hauraki Plains to 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 you can pose for a photo with the world famous (in NZ) L&P bottle, before heading to Matamata (Hobbiton) where you will get the chance to have a picture in front of the Hobbiton sign before joining an optional Hobbiton tour. Mid-afternoon we head to cultural Rotorua where we recommend you spend more than one night as there is so much to do in this unique place. This evening enjoy your free tour injection - the superb Maori Hangi and Concert: learn about the Maori way of life, a tribal village, fierce haka and enjoy a traditional hangi meal. Stay 1 night in Rotorua. |
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Rotorua - Waitomo - TaupoWe start the day heading west to Waitomo to visit the famous Glow-worm Caves, which are over 30 million years old. By early afternoon we depart Waitomo and head towards Taupo. Our first stop is the mighty Huka Falls, throwing over 200,000 litres of water each second. Those in for an adrenaline rush will have the chance to try out the jet boat on the Huka river. For those wanting to experience one of the best thrills in NZ, Taupo is one of the most amazing places to skydive in NZ. From 15,000 feet you can see both coasts of NZ, just ask your driver to sort you out with a jump. For those not partaking in these adrenaline activities we continue onto Taupo, situated on the edge of a lake bigger than Singapore, in true Kiwi fashion this means there are heaps of things to do. Stay 1 night in Taupo. |
| 3 |
Taupo - WellingtonIf you are brave, start the day with a dip in New Zealand’s largest lake. We then head south out of Taupo, travelling along the Desert Road (amazing photo opportunities of Tongariro National Park and live Volcanoes). Upon arrival in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, we head to the summit of Mt Victoria for fantastic views. There’s plenty to keep you busy here – don’t miss a visit to Te Papa, the national museum and make sure you try out some of the lively cafes and bars. Stay 1 night in Welligton. |
| 4 |
Wellington - NelsonThis morning you catch the Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island. The Magic Coach will meet you on the other side. The next part of the journey takes us through beautiful countryside and famous wine regions to ‘sunny Nelson’, an arty city and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Stay 1 night in Nelson. |
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Nelson - GreymouthWe leave Nelson and cross the picturesque Buller Gorge to the ‘Wild West Coast’. Take in some fresh air with a stroll on the Truman Track, we then visit the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Tonight in Greymouth we recommend you take part in a tour of the (very kiwi) Monteiths Brewery including an all you can eat BBQ – great chance to meet some of the interesting locals. Stay 1 night in Greymouth. |
| 6 |
Greymouth - Franz JosefThis morning we travel further down the West Coast and stop at Ross (old Gold Mining town) for a spot of gold panning. We arrive in Franz Josef Alpine Village in time for those who want to partake in a half day glacier hike or heli hike (we highly recommend this!). Stay 1 night in Franz Josef |
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Franz Josef - QueenstownAn early start for an action packed day. First up we visit the impressive mirror Lakes (for those ‘picture postcard’ photos). We then continue down the West Coast stopping at Wanaka and then the home of the bungy, the Kawarau Bungy Bridge. We head into Queenstown late afternoon where there are endless activity options, from mild to wild. We have allowed two days in Queenstown to soak it all up. Stay 2 nights in Queenstown. |
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At QueenstownA free day - Spend the day trying out some of the huge range of activities on offer in ‘the adventure capital of the world’ |
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Queenstown - DunedinBack on the main circuit, we head off along the ‘Old Gold mining trail’ taking in some spectacular scenery. When you arrive in Dunedin why not join a wildlife tour to spot yellow-eyed penguins and seals up close or for something different, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, where samples are included (yum!). Perhaps finish off a great day by joining the evening Speights Brewery Tour. Stay 1 night in Dunedin. |
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Dunedin - TekapoWe start the day with a run up the world’s steepest street (that’s you not the Magic coach!). If a real New Zealand experience is what you are after, take the opportunity to jump off and stay at a working farm in Kurow, an unmissable stop! But some real fantastic highlights today including the amazing spherical boulders at Moeraki, Benmore - a huge earth dam, before we head into tranquil Tekapo. If time out and relaxation is on the agenda after a crazy time in Queenstown, then this is the place for you. Stay 1 night in Lake Tekapo. |
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Tekapo - ChristchurchToday’s travel sees us crossing Burkes Pass and the foothills of the Southern Alps before travelling through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Our arrival in the early afternoon gives you the chance to try out some of the attractions on offer, the International Antarctic Centre, punting on the Avon or Hot Air Ballooning to name a few. Stay 1 night in Chrsitchurch. |
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Christchurch - KaikouraUpon 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 try whale watching or dolphin swimming. Indulge in a traditional New Zealand fish & chip dinner here – voted one of the best places to do so! Stay 1 night in Kaikoura. |
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Kaikoura - WellingtonWe keep following the coast north, travelling through famous Marlborough wine country to Picton where you will jump on the ferry to Wellington. If you are travelling to Nelson, stay onboard the coach and you will arrive late afternoon. Stay 1 night in Wellington. |
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Wellington - NapierToday we start with a hilly climb out of Wellington. Our first stop gives you the chance to see a real Kiwi and Tuatara at Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre. We continue north on the coach stopping at Mission Estate Winery (the oldest winemaker in New Zealand) – those of you connoisseurs might want to part with a few dollars and indulge in some tastings. We arrive in art deco Napier early afternoon, with plenty of time to explore the unique buildings, and perhaps a local winery…or two. Stay 1 night in Napier. |
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Napier - Mt MaunganuiJust north of Napier today, you have the opportunity to jump off and overnight at a wilderness stop to experience relaxation and adventure at its best – a place to really get back to nature. We continue on to Taupo and then arrive in Rotorua where you have some time to explore. (For those of you passing through for the first time, we strongly recommend at least one night in each town) We then carry on to the chilled out beach town of Mt Maunganui (world famous for surfing) arriving late afternoon. Many of our passengers like to stay a couple of days here and really let the ocean and salt air work their Magic. Stay 1 night in Mt Maunganui. |
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Mt Maunganui - AucklandAs we leave Mt Maunganui you see a glimpse of rural New Zealand, passing through small pioneer towns such as Waihi, Paeroa and Thames (where we stop to connect with the Coromandel Coach). We continue onto Auckland and arrive early afternoon. Enough time to do some of the Auckland sights, such as jumping off the Skytower or catching a ferry to a nearby island. For a few extra dollars if you have not visited Waitomo, we recommend you take the following alternative route from Mt Maunganui via Waitomo to Auckland which is available on selected days. |
Between 21 May and 30 September 2010 tours depart Auckland on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
| Holiday Pricing | Share Twin | Single |
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| per person | $2,219.00 | $3,499.00 |
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Prices valid until 30 September 2010. |
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