Magic Travellers Partnership Announced

Media Release – 14th September 2007

Magic Travellers Network and Footprints Waipoua/Crossings Hokianga Partnership Announced

Magic Traveller’s Network is pleased to announce the commencement of a new, close working partnership with Footprints Waipoua and Crossings Hokianga.

“Magic’s operation is dedicated to delivering our passengers to world class New Zealand experiences, and these two amazing activities fit the bill perfectly.” Rob Burnell, General Manager.

To enable this partnership to begin, Magic will be reversing its Northland itinerary. To date, Magic has departed Auckland and travelled to Paihia via the Waipoua Forest, returning to Auckland after a compulsory overnight stop in Paihia. With the commencement of the new season, Magic will operate the journey in the opposite direction.

Rob Burnell says the new routing cements Magic’s position as the only backpacker network to offer a truly complete experience of Northland.

“There is much more to Northland than simply the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga. Whilst these remain very important destinations, I firmly believe that without visiting the Hokianga region and the West Coast, passengers are missing out on a unique piece of New Zealand culture and history”

Magic is the only scheduled service that operates along the West Coast of Northland through Matakohe to the Waipoua Forest and on to the Hokianga region, and therefore already holds a strong point of difference from other operators.

By reversing the itinerary, Magic passengers will not only arrive in to the Bay of Islands quicker, but will now be delivered a first class cultural experience with a dedicated two hour ‘Crossings Hokianga’ sailing from Rawene at 9.30am and also have the opportunity to overnight in the Hokianga and undertake the celebrated ‘Footprints Waipoua’ experience.

Koro Carmen, Managing Director of Footprints Waipoua & Crossings Hokianga commented the new partnership is an “absolutely amazing opportunity Magic has provided the Hokianga. We are certainly appreciative of the chances to showcase our home and to also be able to work with a nationally recognised tour operator and a highly motivated team. We have been working hard in conjunction with many other tourism providers in the area to create a ‘Hokianga demand’. This new Magic initiative provides the Hokianga with a direct transport link to Auckland and access to a growing market which are another two steps towards achieving this objective.”

In April 2007, Magic became the first dedicated backpacker transport network to operate Daily Departures across its main circuit all year round, a move that has seen passenger numbers increase exponentially. In August 2007, Magic won the ‘Visitor Transport’ category at the New Zealand Tourism Awards.

The new Northland itinerary will commence from the 1st October 2007 and operate a minimum of five times a week.

Make every New Zealand day count. Do more with Magic.

Magic Travellers Network operates a hop on, hop off backpacker coach service around New Zealand, offering pickups from hostels along the route. The driver/guides provide entertaining commentary and an accommodation and activity booking service. Magic Travellers Network is Qualmark endorsed and operated by Tourmasters South Pacific, a member of ITOC.

ends

© Scoop Media