Magic Bus

Northern Adventure Auckland, New Zealand
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Tour Itinerary

Day 1: AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS

After crossing the Harbour Bridge we head north to the Bay of Islands. With Auckland well behind us, a brief stop will be made at Sheep World giving you a chance to learn more about New Zealand’s most famous livestock. Back on the road to Northland, we pass through Whangarei and arrive into Paihia at lunchtime, where we overnight. Our first stop here is Waitangi, for a panoramic look over the beautiful Bay of Islands. We strongly recommend those interested in the Maori culture and the history of New Zealand to visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of our nation. Your afternoon is free so why not try one of the fabulous boating options, such as paddling a 50ft traditional Maori waka (canoe), or take a cruise out to the Hole in the Rock with the chance to swim with the dolphins. If you have no plans for the evening, check out the recommended Culture North night show.

Approximate arrival time into Paihia is 12.30pm.

Day 2: BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND

This is one of Magic’s most unique days. We travel from Paihia across country stopping at Rawene, where you have the option to be transferred to Motuti Marae for a truly authentic cultural experience. The coach continues on to Opononi, a lovely town on the edges of the Hokianga Harbour facing the impressive Hokianga sand dunes. It is also where the ‘Crossings Hokianga’ cultural cruise departs, an amazing journey that follows in the footsteps of NZ’s first discoverer Kupe. Magic strongly recommends you overnight in Opononi to take advantage of the celebrated ‘Footprints Waipoua’, one of 82 Lonely Planet ‘Experiences of a Lifetime’. Just after lunch, we head on to Waipoua Forest, where you will not only get the chance to stretch your legs but also get up-close to ‘Tane Mahuta’, God of the Forest. The road narrows as it twists and turns through the forest and we travel into the afternoon and on down the West Coast via Dargaville. Our final stop is at the Matakohe Kauri and Pioneer Museum, which details how the native Kauri trees played a significant role toward shaping the new nation. The remainder of the journey is relaxed and will bring you back into Auckland by late afternoon.

Approximate arrival time into Auckland is 4pm.

Day 3: AUCKLAND - ROTORUA

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 to Mt Eden for the best view of Auckland, locally known as the City of Sails. After taking in this stunning panorama, we travel directly south over the Bombay Hills and into the Waikato region. We cross the impressive Waikato River and head on to Waitomo to visit the famous Glow-worm Caves which are over 30 million years old. Here you can take a walk and slow boat through the caves to view the amazing caverns and glow worms. Alternatively, you can be daring and have a go at one of the different activities Magic has on offer, such as black water rafting or abseiling into the caverns. By mid-afternoon, we head on to Rotorua where Maori culture and thermal activity combine to make a very unique destination. We recommend you spend more than one night as there is so much to do in this exceptional place. This evening, make sure you take the opportunity to try a Maori Hangi and Concert or relax in a hot pool. Neither should be missed!

Approximate arrival into Rotorua is 5.30pm.

Day 4: ROTORUA - TAUPO

Full steam ahead this morning, with a brief sightseeing tour which takes in Rotorua’s picturesque lakefront and Government Gardens. We then continue south visiting the spectacular Wai-O-Tapu geothermal area, famous for vivid mud pools and Lady Knox Geyser. Next up is Rock ‘n’ Ropes where you’ll have the opportunity to try the exhilarating high ropes course including the big swing or trapeze. Just before Taupo another incredible stop is the mighty Huka Falls, throwing over 200,000 litres of water each second. If you feel like an adrenaline rush, you will have the chance to try out the jet boat on the Huka River or bungy jump above it. Taupo is a town situated on the edge of a lake bigger than Singapore which, in true Kiwi fashion means there are heaps of adventure activities available here, such as tandem skydiving, horse riding, kayaking or fishing on the lake. Taupo is also the departure point to attempt the Tongariro Crossing. Described as NZ’s best one day trek, you will need at least two nights in Taupo to undertake the walk that takes you into the heart of volcano country. The nightlife in Taupo is outstanding, with many decent bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from.

Approximate arrival time in Taupo is 3.15pm.

Day 5: TAUPO - WELLINGTON

Today we head south out of Taupo following the lake before travelling along the aptly named Desert Road. This unique barren landscape forms part of New Zealand’s only official desert, the Rangipo Desert. For film buffs this scenery is also a welcome to Lord of the Rings country, with amazing photo opportunities of the Tongariro National Park, live volcanoes and the Tolkien inspired ‘Mt. Doom’. Later in the day we pass through the imaginatively named town of Bulls. Make sure you pay attention and try and spot a few of the unique shop names – it’s unforgettabull! In the afternoon, we arrive into Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, were we stop to view Parliament Buildings and ‘The Beehive’ before heading to the summit of Mt Victoria for some fantastic views across the city and Cook Strait. There’s plenty to keep you busy here including lively cafes and don’t miss a visit to Te Papa, the national museum. Approximate arrival time in Wellington is 4.00pm.

Day 6: WELLINGTON - NAPIER

Today we start with a hilly climb out of Wellington through the Rimutaka Ranges. Our first stop en route gives you the chance to see a real Kiwi and also the ancient Tuatara at Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre. Whilst the Kiwi is a symbol of New Zealand, the Tuatara is one of New Zealand’s rarest creatures and Magic are proud sponsors of the Tuatara Recovery Programme. Heading further north, via a number of NZ’s picturesque pioneer towns including Greytown and Carterton, we arrive in Mangatainoka which feels like the middle of nowhere but is in fact the home of the nationally famous Tui Brewery. Try a beer or two here or wait until later in the day when the wine connoisseurs might want to part with a few dollars and indulge in some tastings in Hawkes Bay wine country. We arrive into Napier by early afternoon with plenty of time to explore the unique buildings, and perhaps another local winery or two. Due to a major earthquake in the 1930s, this city had to be rebuilt and is now referred to by some as “The Art Deco capital of the World”. Enjoy your stay in another unique Magic spot.

Approximate arrival into Napier is 3.00pm.

Day 7: NAPIER-TAUPO - MT MAUNGANUI/TAURANGA

Just north of Napier today you have the opportunity to jump off and overnight at Mountain Valley wilderness stop to experience relaxation and adventure at its best – a place to really get back to nature. We continue on to the lakeside town of Taupo and then arrive in Rotorua. For those of you passing through for the first time, we advise at least one night in each town and in Rotorua in particular, you need to make time to explore some of the many attractions including Whakarewarewa Thermal area, white water rafting on the Kaitiaki or get wet and wild in a Zorb at the Agrodome. Leaving Rotorua behind, the coach will 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 to either relax or try some of the many beach activities including learning to surf, whilst allowing the ocean and salt air to work their Magic.

Approximate arrival into Mount Maunganui is 4.00pm. Passengers staying at Tauranga add 20 mins.

Day 8: MT MAUNGANUI - WHITIANGA

Today leaving Mt Maunganui behind us you 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 1800s, still continues today (in a more modern way). We travel on to Paeroa, where some unique landmarks pay homage to the iconic Kiwi soft drink ‘Lemon & Paeroa’ which was named after the town. In Thames, those travelling to the Coromandel Peninsula can connect directly with the Coromandel coach and head on to visit some incredible native bush. Pass through the quiet seaside towns of Tairua and Hahei before visiting the incredible Cathedral Cove. Add a unique New Zealand souvenir to your collection by making your own bone carving in a specialist studio in Whitianga, the overnight stay.

Approximate arrival time into Whitianga is 4.00pm

Day 9: WHITIANGA - AUCKLAND

Travelling further down the coast, we pass through the surfing town of Whangamata and continue onto Waihi. From there the route takes us into the Karangahake Gorge and onto Paeroa. If you want to feel like a real local, grab yourself an L&P drink “World famous in New Zealand”. Here we connect with the coach to Auckland arriving early afternoon.

Approximate arrival time into Auckland is 1.00pm

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Tour Itinerary