What are the most beautiful places in Auckland?

Don’t miss Piha Beach, Rangitoto Island summit, Mission Bay, Mount Eden, Waiheke vineyards, Long Bay Regional Park, the Auckland Domain Wintergardens, Cornwall Park, and Mount Victoria in Devonport.

Where are the best viewpoints in Auckland?

Top viewpoints include Mount Eden/Maungawhau, Mount Victoria, the Sky Tower observation deck, and Rangitoto Island’s summit track.

Which Auckland beaches are best for scenery?

Piha’s black sands offer dramatic west-coast scenery, while Mission Bay and Takapuna provide classic harbour and Rangitoto views with easy access.

Can I see Auckland’s most beautiful spots on a bus tour?

Yes. Vintage Views’ heritage double-decker offers panoramic city and coastal views, with curated routes that highlight iconic lookouts and waterfront vistas.

Are these scenic places free to visit?

Most viewpoints and parks—like Mount Eden, Cornwall Park, and Mount Victoria—are free. Ferry-accessed sites (e.g., Rangitoto) and attractions may have separate costs.

What’s the best time of day for photos in Auckland?

Golden hour around sunrise or sunset delivers the best light, especially at Mount Victoria, Mission Bay, and the west-coast beaches.

Is the Vintage Views Routemaster suitable for groups?

Yes. The Routemaster caters to groups for sightseeing and private hire, offering elevated views and nostalgic style ideal for memorable outings.

Auckland’s Most Unique Sightseeing Experience: Why Our Vintage Routemaster Bus Tour Stands Out

29 Sept

Written By Benjamin Dale

Introduction: A City of Icons Meets a Bus of Legends

Auckland is a city defined by contrasts — sparkling harbours set against volcanic cones, historic neighbourhoods alongside modern skylines. Millions of travellers come here each year to explore the sights, but very few get to experience the city the way locals once travelled in 1960s London — aboard a classic red Routemaster double-decker bus.

At Vintage Views, we’ve restored an authentic Routemaster and brought it across the world to give Aucklanders and visitors alike a sightseeing experience that is as nostalgic as it is unforgettable.

The Routemaster: A Rolling Piece of History

The Routemaster bus was first introduced in London in the 1950s and quickly became a global icon. Known for its timeless design, open platform, and reliability, it carried generations of Londoners through everyday life. Today, only a handful remain in operation worldwide, and even fewer have been repurposed as sightseeing buses outside of the UK.

That’s what makes Vintage Views so special — our lovingly restored Routemaster is the only one of its kind running tours in Auckland, turning a simple bus ride into a living piece of history.

The Double-Decker Discovery Tour: See Auckland Differently

Our signature 90-minute Double-Decker Discovery Tour is designed to showcase the city’s must-see highlights while giving you a fresh perspective.

🌊 Mission Bay – The waterfront stretch with sparkling beaches and photo-perfect views of Rangitoto Island.
🖼️ Parnell – A charming suburb filled with galleries, boutiques, and history.
🌉 Grafton Bridge & K Road – Elevated views and Auckland’s edgy, creative neighbourhood.
🎶 Ponsonby – A vibrant mix of culture, food, and nightlife.
🏙️ Harbour Bridge – The big moment, soaring across Auckland’s iconic bridge with panoramic city views.

At just $49 for adults and $19 for children, it’s not just affordable — it’s one of the best-value sightseeing tours in Auckland.

Why Vintage Views is Different

Lots of tours will take you around Auckland, but none combine history, storytelling, and style the way a Routemaster can. Here’s why our guests say it feels different:

Elevated Perspective – From the top deck, Auckland looks completely new.
Photo-Ready Moments – Every turn reveals an iconic angle perfect for Instagram or family albums.
Authentic Vintage Vibe – This isn’t a modern coach — it’s an experience that feels timeless.
Community Connection – Locally owned, Kiwi operated, and dedicated to showing off Auckland’s character.

More Than Just a Tour: Weddings, Corporate Events & Private Hire

Our Routemaster isn’t only for sightseeing. It’s also available for weddings, private events, and corporate functions, bringing a touch of vintage charm to your big day. Imagine arriving at your wedding venue in a 1960s London bus, or giving your team a unique night out that starts with a ride across the Harbour Bridge.

👉 Learn more on our Weddings Page.

Connecting With Auckland’s Attractions

We believe in celebrating the city as a whole, which is why we’ve created a Things To Do in Auckland page to help visitors discover everything from the Auckland War Memorial Museum to local eateries. Vintage Views is part of a wider network of attractions, helping travellers plan an unforgettable stay.

Where to Find Us

📍 Pick-Up Point: Corner of Customs Street & Queen Street, Auckland CBD
⏰ Departures: 4 times daily, 90 minutes each
🎟️ Tickets: $49 Adults | $19 Children
🌐 Book online: Vintage Views Tours

Conclusion: See Auckland Differently With Vintage Views

When you step onto our Routemaster, you’re not just catching a bus — you’re stepping into history, culture, and a one-of-a-kind Auckland adventure. Whether you’re here for a day, a week, or a lifetime, our Double-Decker Discovery Tour is the most iconic way to take it all in.

📌 Ready to book? Secure your seat today and see Auckland like never before.
👉 www.vintageviews.co.nz/tours

Benjamin Dale