Lucky escape for bus passengers

A bus carrying 21 people plunged 50m down a bank in Waikato today. Photo / Thinkstock

A tour group escaped with cuts and bruises after their bus plunged 50 metres off a winding Waikato road this afternoon.

The Magic tour bus with 21 people on board went off the road while negotiating a "horseshoe corner" on State Highway 4 near Benneydale at 2.15pm.

It plunged about 50 metres before coming to rest on its wheels.

No passengers suffered anything worse than cuts and bruises and all were able to leave the vehicle by the time emergency services arrived, police said.

Inspector Mike Coleman said it was fortunate no-one sustained worse injuries.

"It apparently just stayed on its wheels. It was just very lucky by all accounts."

A police investigation would be launched into what caused the crash, Mr Coleman said.