Vintage Views – Auckland’s Iconic Double-Decker Experience

Hop On Hop Off… Without the Off

Vintage Views offers a sightseeing experience unlike anything else in New Zealand. Step aboard Dorothy, our lovingly restored 1960s London Routemaster double-decker bus, and see Auckland from a whole new angle — above the crowd, beyond the ordinary, and steeped in nostalgia.

With gleaming red paintwork, Cork floors, and panoramic seating on the upper deck, Dorothy turns every journey into a moving postcard of Auckland’s skyline, waterfront, and culture. Whether you’re here for a few hours on a cruise stop, visiting for the weekend, or celebrating a special occasion, Vintage Views brings history, storytelling, and classic design together to create the city’s most memorable tour.

A Heritage Icon Reimagined for Modern Auckland

Few vehicles on the road today inspire smiles like the legendary Routemaster. Built in London in the early 1960s, these double-deckers symbolised a golden age of travel — when craftsmanship, style, and community spirit defined public transport.

Dorothy was painstakingly restored in New Zealand by enthusiasts who saw more than just an old bus: they saw a chance to connect past and present, to turn an icon of mid-century Britain into a local legend on the streets of Auckland. Every polished brass fitting and riveted window tells a story. And when she rolls through the city, heads turn, cameras come out, and a little magic returns to the road.

The Double Decker Discovery Tour – Auckland’s Best City Sightseeing Experience

For visitors, cruise passengers, and locals alike, the Double Decker Discovery Tour is the ultimate way to explore Auckland in comfort and style.

A Journey Through the Heart of the City

Departing from the CBD waterfront — just steps from Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf where major cruise ships dock — the tour loops through Auckland’s most famous and beautiful neighbourhoods. You’ll travel past the Viaduct Harbour, home to world-class restaurants and the legacy of the America’s Cup; past the glittering yachts of the Wynyard Quarter, and through the tree-lined boulevards of Parnell Village, one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs.

Then, cross the Harbour Bridge for sweeping views over the Waitematā Harbour — the same waters that earned Auckland its nickname, the City of Sails.

From there, the route continues through Ponsonby Road, known for its chic cafés, boutiques, and historic villas, before circling back through the cultural heart of the city. Along the way, guests enjoy live commentary filled with stories that weave together Auckland’s Māori heritage, maritime history, volcanic landscape, and modern growth as New Zealand’s most dynamic metropolis.

Key Highlights and Stops

  • Sky Tower – Auckland’s defining landmark, standing 328 metres tall with 360-degree views of the region.

  • Auckland War Memorial Museum – an architectural treasure and national heritage site set within the tranquil Auckland Domain parklands.

  • Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki – New Zealand’s premier art institution, housing masterpieces from colonial through to contemporary eras.

  • Mission Bay Beach – the city’s favourite waterfront promenade for ice creams, fish and chips, and views across to Rangitoto Island.

  • Parnell Rose Gardens – seasonal blooms and peaceful views over Judges Bay, perfect for a photo stop.

  • Ponsonby Road – bohemian chic meets classic villas, bursting with colour, character, and cafés.

  • Devonport Vista Point (optional) – on select extended tours, cross to the North Shore for picture-postcard skyline shots of Auckland City.

Each stop is chosen for scenic beauty, accessibility, and storytelling value — with enough time to enjoy the view without feeling rushed.

Designed for Cruise Passengers

The tour schedule aligns perfectly with major cruise ship arrivals and departures. Pickup and drop-off are located within an easy walk of Auckland’s cruise terminals, eliminating the stress of transfers or taxis. With no fixed “hop-off” component, the focus stays on sightseeing, relaxation, and photography — hence the tagline: “Hop On Hop Off… Without the Off.”

For travellers who prefer comfort, clarity, and authentic local insight, the Double Decker Discovery Tour is rated as one of the best shore excursions in Auckland, consistently praised for its charm, friendliness, and unforgettable views.

The Great British Pub Tour – A Social Journey Through Auckland

As the sun dips and the city lights come alive, Dorothy takes on a different personality. The evening Great British Pub Tour is part sightseeing journey, part social adventure — celebrating the shared heritage of classic British pubs and Kiwi hospitality.

This three-hour hosted experience visits a rotating selection of Auckland’s most character-filled taverns:

  • The Northcote Tavern – a heritage pub dating back to 1884, overlooking the Waitematā with old-world charm.

  • Galbraith’s Ale House – a lovingly restored Edwardian building serving craft ales brewed on site.

  • The Brit in Britomart – an elegant waterfront bar blending British tradition with modern Auckland style.

Guests enjoy a curated tasting experience — three beverages (beer, wine, or soft drinks), nibbles, dinner options, and lively conversation, all connected by short scenic drives between venues. Commentary continues en route, offering anecdotes about Auckland’s history, architecture, and nightlife.

Perfect for couples, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a fun evening out, the Great British Pub Tour has fast become one of Auckland’s most talked-about new social tours — equal parts culture, camaraderie, and classic comfort.

Weddings, Charters & Corporate Events

Beyond its public tours, Vintage Views offers private charters for weddings, events, conferences, and brand activations. Backed by Kiwi Coaches’ operational expertise and nationwide support network, clients can trust every detail — from timing and route planning to driver presentation and onboard service.

Weddings

For couples seeking a wedding transport experience with heart, Dorothy makes a statement like no other. The classic red Routemaster provides unforgettable photo opportunities, vintage charm, and seamless group transport between ceremony, photo, and reception venues. She can be decorated with ribbons, signage, or flowers to match your theme, and her spacious layout accommodates bridal parties or guests with ease.

Many couples book Vintage Views not only as transport but as part of their day’s storytelling — arriving in style and departing in laughter, cheered on by passing pedestrians and photographers alike.

Corporate Events and Charters

Businesses across Auckland increasingly turn to Vintage Views for creative event transport and marketing campaigns. The Routemaster’s instantly recognisable silhouette turns heads at conferences, product launches, and corporate celebrations. From NZICC and Sky City Convention Centre events to waterfront hospitality transfers, Dorothy elevates the experience.

The vehicle can even be wrapped or branded for corporate promotions, photo shoots, and film work — providing mobile visibility and charm that no standard bus could match.

Community and Heritage Events

As a proudly Kiwi-owned company, Vintage Views also supports community celebrations, heritage days, parades, and charity events. Our team believes heritage vehicles should be shared and enjoyed — keeping history alive while serving the city that gives them a home.

Inside the Experience – What Makes Vintage Views Different

1. Authenticity and Attention to Detail

Every element of the Vintage Views experience is designed for authenticity — from the classic London Transport-style destination blinds to the polished brass fixtures and open-air upper deck. Passengers can feel the craftsmanship of the 1960s while enjoying modern comfort and safety standards.

2. Professional Kiwi Operation

As part of the Kiwi Coaches family, Vintage Views benefits from decades of expertise in fleet management, safety compliance, and professional driver training. Our drivers and hosts are all NZTA-approved, police-vetted, and experienced in both tourism and event logistics.

3. Storytelling and Local Knowledge

Our tours aren’t just about scenery — they’re about connection. Every journey is hosted by guides passionate about Auckland’s past and present, weaving tales of early Māori settlement, colonial trade, wartime resilience, volcanic geology, and contemporary culture.

4. Convenience and Central Access

All tours depart from central Auckland, within walking distance of major hotels, the Sky Tower, Aotea Centre, Britomart, and the cruise wharves. This makes Vintage Views ideal for both domestic visitors and international cruise passengers seeking a stress-free, high-quality experience.

Discover More of Auckland – Extended Tour Connections

While the Double Decker Discovery is the flagship route, Vintage Views often collaborates with Kiwi Coaches for extended itineraries across the region — perfect for groups seeking half-day or full-day adventures. Suggested add-ons include:

  • Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Wintergardens in Auckland Domain.

  • Auckland Zoo and Western Springs for family-friendly sightseeing.

  • Mount Eden (Maungawhau) for panoramic views over the city and harbour.

  • Devonport Village and Mount Victoria Lookout on the North Shore.

  • Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Albert Park for culture lovers.

  • Mission Bay Beachfront, St Heliers, and the Tamaki Drive coastal route for stunning seaside scenery.

By combining the iconic Routemaster experience with Kiwi Coaches’ modern fleet, we can accommodate larger groups, multiple pickups, or bespoke itineraries tailored to conference schedules, wedding party logistics, or incentive travel programmes.

Sustainability and Heritage Preservation

Restoring and operating a 1960s Routemaster isn’t just nostalgia — it’s sustainability in action. By extending the life of a beautifully engineered vehicle and converting it for modern efficiency, Vintage Views reduces manufacturing waste and celebrates a time when craftsmanship meant longevity.

Maintenance and refurbishment are carried out locally, supporting New Zealand’s vehicle restoration industry and passing on specialist skills to younger tradespeople. We believe tourism can be both inspiring and responsible — connecting visitors with heritage while minimising environmental impact.

For Cruise Passengers – Your Perfect Auckland Shore Excursion

Auckland welcomes hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers each year, with ships from Princess Cruises, Celebrity, Carnival, Norwegian, and Holland America docking right in the heart of the city. Vintage Views offers the perfect way to maximise limited time ashore.

  • Departures align with ship schedules, so you can explore safely and return comfortably before sailing.

  • Central pickup ensures you don’t need additional taxis or transport.

  • Compact itinerary (2–3 hours) leaves time for shopping, dining, or visiting attractions like the Auckland Art Gallery, New Zealand Maritime Museum, or Queen Street retail precinct afterward.

For many cruise guests, the Routemaster is a highlight of their New Zealand voyage — a rare chance to ride an authentic icon while seeing one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Testimonials and Guest Feedback

“An absolute highlight of our time in Auckland. The bus is stunning, the commentary brilliant, and the views unbeatable. We only had one day in port — this was perfect.”
— Sarah and James P., Sydney

“The Pub Tour was the best night we had in New Zealand! Great beer, great laughs, and a truly beautiful bus. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the city.”
— Michael T., London

“As a wedding photographer, I can’t recommend Vintage Views enough — it transforms every image. The red bus, the skyline, the smiles… it’s magic.”
— Rebecca L., Auckland

Book Your Experience

Booking with Vintage Views is simple — tours, charters, and group packages are available directly via our website at vintageviews.co.nz.

For travel partners, cruise lines, and inbound operators, group rates and tailored schedules are available through the Kiwi Coaches sales team.

Contact Kiwi Coaches:
📍 Auckland, New Zealand
📞 +64 9 276 4131
📧 info@kiwicoaches.co.nz