Hop On Hop Off… Without the Off: Discover Auckland Aboard a Classic Double-Decker Bus
The Return of Classic Sightseeing in Auckland
For decades, “Hop On Hop Off” tours have been the go-to for exploring major cities — but in Auckland, there’s now a smarter, smoother, and far more charming way to see it all.
Introducing the Double Decker Discovery Tour by Vintage Views — a lovingly restored 1960s London Routemaster that now glides through the streets of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).
This is sightseeing reimagined: no transfers, no waiting for the next bus, no confusion about where to hop back on. Just 90 minutes of pure discovery, all from the best seat in town — the open-top deck of an iconic red London bus.
Hop On Hop Off… Without the Off.
That’s our motto. And for many visitors, it’s a revelation.
A New Way to See the City
Auckland isn’t a city that rewards rushing. It’s a place to be seen from above — from the Harbour Bridge, the Sky Tower, and now from the upper deck of Dorothy, our bright red Routemaster.
From the moment you board, the pace slows down, the skyline opens up, and Auckland’s mix of harbours, hills, and heritage comes alive.
The Double Decker Discovery route captures it all:
The shimmering Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, alive with restaurants and sailboats
The tree-lined beauty of Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park
The boutique charm of Parnell Village
The cinematic sweep across the Harbour Bridge, looking back to the skyline
And the street-level hum of the CBD, where old and new Auckland meet
This isn’t just transport — it’s an experience, a story, and a photo opportunity rolled into one unforgettable ride.
Why “Without the Off” Matters
“Hop On Hop Off” tours are designed for flexibility — but that flexibility often comes with frustration.
Cruise passengers and short-stay visitors in Auckland often find themselves:
Waiting for the next bus at every stop
Struggling to find pickup points
Watching the clock to make it back to port
With Vintage Views, the idea is simple: Hop On Once, See It All.
You don’t lose time waiting. You don’t get lost between stops. You simply enjoy a curated sightseeing journey that flows effortlessly through the city’s best views, guided by friendly local hosts and real stories.
For cruise passengers, it’s the perfect shore excursion — an easy 5-minute walk from the Auckland Cruise Terminal, timed to fit comfortably within most port schedules.
Meet Dorothy – A True British Icon
Our bus, “Dorothy”, has a history as rich as the city she now explores.
Built in the 1960s for the streets of London, this Routemaster served Britain’s capital through decades of change before being carefully imported to New Zealand.
Restored over several years by passionate enthusiasts, she now carries a new mission — to showcase Auckland’s beauty while preserving a piece of motoring history.
Every seat on board has a story to tell: polished brass, heritage signage, and that unmistakable London red. Yet, beneath the nostalgia, Dorothy is fitted with modern comforts, safety upgrades, and smooth suspension — ready for 21st-century city touring.
The Experience: Vintage Charm Meets Modern Comfort
The moment you climb aboard, something shifts. The noise of the city fades into the hum of the engine, the wind catches your hair, and Auckland opens out around you.
It’s not just sightseeing — it’s feeling the city.
Our guests often describe it as “like stepping into a movie” or “seeing Auckland for the first time, even if you live here.”
Whether you’re a local rediscovering your home city or a cruise passenger on your first New Zealand adventure, the tour is designed to blend nostalgia, comfort, and panoramic beauty.
What You’ll See
🗼 Sky Tower – the tallest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere, and a constant presence on the skyline.
🌉 Auckland Harbour Bridge – enjoy sweeping views of the Waitematā Harbour and North Shore.
🌿 Auckland Domain & Museum – a tranquil green escape filled with native flora and rich history.
🏛️ Parnell Village – cobbled streets, cafés, and boutique shops in one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs.
🌅 Waterfront & Viaduct Harbour – where modern Auckland meets the sea, alive with yachts and dining.
Each sight is introduced with commentary, fun facts, and stories that connect the modern city to its past — from Māori heritage and colonial history to the city’s rise as the cultural heart of New Zealand.
Perfect for Cruise Passengers
If you’re arriving by sea, Vintage Views is Auckland’s easiest, closest, and most scenic city tour.
Just a short, flat walk from the cruise terminal (Princes Wharf)
Morning and midday departures ideal for most port schedules
90-minute loop returning you to the city centre with time to shop, dine, or reboard
No transfers. No stress. Just unforgettable views.
We regularly host passengers from Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and P&O Australia — all drawn to our vintage style and convenient departure point.
Locally Owned. Globally Loved.
Vintage Views isn’t a franchise or an offshore operator — it’s a family-run Auckland company created with love and community spirit.
Our family restored Dorothy ourselves, guided by a passion for vintage vehicles and storytelling. What started as a dream to bring a touch of London nostalgia to Auckland has grown into one of the city’s most photographed and talked-about experiences.
We believe in keeping tourism personal, welcoming, and proudly Kiwi.
Why Choose Vintage Views
✅ Authentic 1960s Routemaster Double-Decker
✅ Family-Owned & Operated in Auckland
✅ Short Walk from Cruise Port
✅ Relaxed, Fully-Guided 90-Minute Loop
✅ Stunning Views of the City & Harbour
✅ A Unique “Hop On Hop Off Alternative”
When you book with Vintage Views, you’re not just buying a ticket — you’re supporting a local business, helping to preserve heritage transport, and joining a growing movement of travellers who want their experiences to mean something.
Booking & Tour Information
Tour Name: Double Decker Discovery
Duration: ~90 minutes
Departure: Corner of Queen St & Customs St, outside Mövenpick Hotel
Times: 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 : 30 PM (Weekends & Cruise Ship Days)
Tickets: Book Online at www.VintageViews.co.nz
The Vintage Views Promise
Every tour we operate carries our family’s name, passion, and pride.
We’re not just showing you the sights — we’re showing you our city.
So next time you see our red double-decker rolling past the harbour, remember:
you don’t have to hop off to see it all.
Just Hop On… and Discover Auckland the Vintage Way.