Auckland Cruise Ship Tour — See the Best of the City in 90 Minutes

Hop On / Hop Off… Without The Off
Welcome to the easiest, most memorable way to explore Auckland during your cruise visit. Step off your ship and step aboard Dorothy — our beautifully restored 1960s London Routemaster double-decker bus — for a scenic, story-filled 90-minute journey through New Zealand’s most vibrant city.

Perfect for Cruise Passengers

Docking at Auckland’s Princes Wharf or Queens Wharf? You’re only a short stroll from our departure point at Queen Street / Customs Street (outside the Mövenpick Hotel). Our tour is custom-timed for cruise schedules, offering 90 minutes of sights, stories, and skyline views with easy walk-back access to your ship.

Why Cruise Guests Love This Tour

  • Just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal

  • Designed for short port calls — 90 minutes round trip

  • No confusing hop-on/off stops

  • Live commentary from friendly local hosts

  • Perfect mix of history, architecture, and coastal scenery

  • Operated by a Kiwi-owned company that truly knows Auckland

Our bus is NOT open-top, ensuring comfort and reliability in all weather.

Your 90-Minute Auckland Highlights Route

Every seat is a window seat aboard Dorothy. From the Viaduct to the volcanic peaks, you’ll see the best of Auckland in one easy, unforgettable loop.

Route Highlights

  • Sky Tower – Auckland’s most famous landmark and tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

  • Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter – A bustling waterfront of cafés, yachts, and local life.

  • Auckland War Memorial Museum & Domain Gardens – The heart of Auckland’s heritage and green space, surrounded by volcanic landscape.

  • Parnell Village – Cobblestone charm meets boutique shopping and historic architecture.

  • Albert Park & Auckland Art Gallery – Leafy gardens and culture-rich galleries in the heart of the city.

  • Auckland Harbour Bridge & North Shore Views – Panoramic harbour scenes that showcase why this city is called Tāmaki Makaurau – the city of a thousand lovers (of harbours).

No transfers. No waiting. Just stories, scenery, and seamless touring.

Things to Do Near the Cruise Terminal — Before or After Your Tour

If you have extra time in port, Auckland’s compact city centre offers a wealth of attractions within easy walking distance of our tour route and the cruise wharves. Whether you’re looking for shopping, dining, culture, or fresh air, here are some excellent add-ons to your day:

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Just a 10-minute walk from the Viaduct, this world-class gallery showcases New Zealand and international art in a stunning blend of heritage and modern architecture. Free entry to the main collection and a must-see for art lovers.

Albert Park

Right next door to the gallery, Albert Park is a lush Victorian garden of fountains, flowerbeds, and heritage trees. A perfect picnic spot with views of the Sky Tower and nearby university district.

Britomart Quarter

A beautifully restored precinct blending historic warehouses with boutique retail, restaurants, and designer stores. Enjoy a post-tour coffee, brunch, or shopping break in this effortlessly stylish area.

Commercial Bay

Auckland’s newest waterfront development combines designer shopping with some of the city’s best eateries. Dine with harbour views, enjoy a drink on the terrace, or browse local brands between tour and re-boarding.

The Brit Pub & Eatery

Steps from your ship, The Brit in Britomart is one of our tour’s favourite stops. Pop in for a local craft beer, casual meal, or waterfront view — a perfect finish after your ride on Dorothy.

Queen Street Shopping & Laneways

Auckland’s main boulevard offers everything from souvenir stores and fashion boutiques to hidden laneway cafés. You’ll find plenty to explore between the ferry terminal, Aotea Square, and upper Queen Street.

Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter

If you prefer to stay near the water, stroll the Viaduct’s pedestrian boardwalk. Grab fish and chips, visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum, or simply watch the yachts sail in and out of Waitematā Harbour.

Ferry to Devonport (Optional Add-On)

If time allows, the Devonport ferry is just 12 minutes each way — giving you stunning harbour views and a charming village atmosphere with cafés and art galleries. It pairs beautifully with our bus tour for guests spending a full day in port.

Make the Most of Your Port Day

Pairing your Vintage Views Double Decker Discovery Tour with one or two nearby attractions creates the perfect short-stay itinerary.

Booking Information

  • Duration: 90 minutes

  • Departure Point: Queen St / Customs St (outside the Mövenpick Hotel)

  • Pricing: Adult $49 | Child $19 | Family packages available

  • Email: info@vintageviews.co.nz | Phone: 027 483 0734

  • Cruise Lines Served: Princess, P&O Australia, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and more

  • Accessibility: Please advise in advance for mobility or luggage needs.

Why Choose Vintage Views

Vintage Views is proudly Kiwi-owned and family-operated, combining old-fashioned charm with modern service. Our Routemaster bus Dorothy offers a unique sightseeing experience you won’t find anywhere else in New Zealand — blending nostalgia, storytelling, and comfort in a way that feels as special as it looks.

Hop On / Hop Off… Without The Off.
Your ship brought you to Auckland. We’ll show you why you’ll want to come back.

Cruise Lines We Welcome

We regularly host passengers from:

  • Princess Cruises

  • Celebrity Cruises

  • Holland America Line

  • Royal Caribbean

  • P&O Australia

  • Celebrity Cruises

  • Carnival

  • Scenic

  • Ponant

  • Silverseas

  • Regent

  • Norwegian Cruise Lines

  • Oceania

  • Cunard & more

If your ship docks at Princes Wharf or Queens Wharf, we’re right around the corner!

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