Hop On Hop Off… Without the Off: The Smarter, Easier Way to See Auckland
When your cruise ship docks in Auckland, you’ve got limited hours and unlimited options. Do you spend your precious time hopping between buses and waiting at stops — or do you simply sit back, relax, and let the city roll by?
Welcome to Vintage Views’ Double Decker Discovery, the classic new way to explore Auckland in style. It’s the Hop On Hop Off tour — without the off.
Why Cruise Visitors Love “Hop On Hop Off… Without the Off”
Every cruise passenger arriving at Queens Wharf or Princes Wharf faces the same dilemma: how to see everything Auckland offers without wasting time getting on and off crowded city buses.
Our answer is simple — don’t hop off at all.
Instead, board our lovingly restored 1960s London Routemaster double-decker bus, take a comfortable seat on the upper deck, and enjoy a guided sightseeing journey through Auckland’s most iconic landmarks, historic neighbourhoods, and panoramic viewpoints — all in one effortless loop.
You’ll see more sights in less time, with none of the hassle of transfers, queues, or confusion.
See the Best of Auckland — Effortlessly
Your Double Decker Discovery tour departs from the corner of Queen Street and Customs Street, right in the heart of Auckland’s cruise precinct. Within moments, you’ll be rolling past the city’s greatest hits:
🌉 Auckland Harbour Bridge – the gateway to sweeping skyline views.
🏛️ Auckland War Memorial Museum – an architectural icon surrounded by lush Auckland Domain.
🌳 Parnell Village – cobblestoned charm, boutique shops, and leafy historic streets.
🏞️ Mission Bay & Tamaki Drive – postcard-perfect beaches and sparkling Hauraki Gulf waters.
🗼 Sky Tower – the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, always in view as your landmark.
From the moment you board, your local Kiwi host and driver-guide bring the city to life with entertaining stories, local insights, and a touch of humour — capturing that unique blend of laid-back Kiwi hospitality and London vintage charm.
The Story Behind the Bus — “Dorothy”
Our pride and joy, Dorothy, is an authentic 1960s London Routemaster double-decker — the same model that once roamed Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street. Painstakingly restored here in Auckland by the Dale family, she represents the heart of our Vintage Views vision: to make sightseeing feel personal, nostalgic, and joyful again.
Every seat on Dorothy has a story. The timber floors are original, the brass fittings polished, and the rumble of the diesel engine transports you to another era. Yet she’s also fitted with modern comforts: upgraded suspension, clear commentary audio, and wide open windows for unbeatable photo opportunities.
Why It’s Perfect for Cruise Ship Passengers
1. Departure Right by the Port
We’re located just steps from the main cruise terminal, so you can hop off your ship and hop straight on board. No taxis, no confusion, no wasted minutes.
2. One Simple Route – No Time Lost
Our route is crafted for maximum sightseeing efficiency. Unlike traditional hop-on hop-off buses, you’ll spend all your time seeing, not waiting.
3. Duration That Fits Your Schedule
The full loop runs around 90 minutes, perfect for a morning or afternoon adventure before returning to your ship with plenty of time to spare.
4. Small-Group Feel, Big-View Comfort
With limited seating, every passenger enjoys unobstructed skyline views from the upper deck. It’s personal, premium, and unhurried — perfect for travellers who prefer comfort over chaos.
5. Book Online Before You Sail
Cruise guests can book directly through our website or major tour platforms such as GetYourGuide, Viator, and TripAdvisor, ensuring your seat is secure before you arrive in Auckland.
📸 What You’ll Experience on Board
Live commentary filled with local history, Māori legends, and fun trivia
Unbeatable photo angles from the open-top upper deck (the bus has windows — it’s not open-top)
Relaxed pace — no constant stopping, no rushing to re-board
Nostalgia and atmosphere that make every minute memorable
Each journey blends Auckland’s modern waterfront with its volcanic hills, leafy parks, and heritage buildings — a curated highlight reel of the city’s soul.
🕐 Sample Itinerary for Cruise Days
TimeExperience
8:50 AMDisembark and stroll 2 minutes to the departure stop on Queen St.
9:00 AMBoard Dorothy and meet your friendly local host.
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Enjoy the full city circuit — skyline, harbour, parks, and coastal views.
10:30 AM Return to the port area for shopping, lunch, or your next excursion.
(Additional departures often at 11 AM and 1:30 PM, perfect for staggered cruise schedules.)
🌍 Sustainable Sightseeing with Heart
Vintage Views proudly supports the Tiaki Promise, encouraging visitors to care for New Zealand’s people, culture, and environment. Our team of Auckland locals share insights about conservation, Māori heritage, and respectful tourism along the route.
Every ride helps keep a piece of transport history alive — proving that heritage and sustainability can travel side-by-side.
💡 Who Is This Tour Perfect For?
Cruise passengers with 3–5 hours in port
First-time visitors wanting a complete city overview
Couples and small groups seeking something special
Travellers who prefer comfort, commentary, and continuity over constant stops
⭐ Reviews from Happy Travellers
“Absolutely the highlight of our Auckland stopover! So easy from the cruise terminal and the views were stunning.”
— Julie M., Sydney
“A great way to see Auckland without wasting time waiting for buses to fill up.”
— Tom R., California
“The vintage bus is beautiful and the commentary made it feel like a story of Auckland, not just a tour.”
— Helen P., UK
🧭 Booking, Pricing & Departure Info
Departure Point: Corner of Queen St & Customs St East (2 minutes from the cruise terminal)
Tour Duration: ~90 minutes
Frequency: Several daily departures (check live schedule)
Tickets: From $49 NZD per adult
Booking: www.vintageviews.nz/tours or search Vintage Views Auckland on GetYourGuide, Viator, and TripAdvisor.
🧳 In Summary: All the Sights. None of the Stops.
If you’re only in Auckland for a day, make every minute count.
Skip the complicated routes and endless waiting — and instead, Hop On Hop Off… Without the Off.
The Double Decker Discovery isn’t just a tour; it’s a moving postcard of Auckland — relaxed, scenic, and filled with Kiwi warmth.
Book your seat, grab your camera, and discover the city the classic way — aboard Dorothy, the bus with heart.