Picking Up ‘Dorothy’: Our Vintage Routemaster’s Grand Journey from Christchurch to Auckland

It’s not every day that history rolls into town—yet there she was: our cherished Routemaster, poised in Christchurch, ready for the epic road ahead. Built in the heyday of British design, this iconic red double-decker has travelled far from her London roots and found herself driven north through New Zealand’s South Island.

A London Legend Reborn

When London’s last Routemasters rolled away in 2005, few could have predicted they’d one day traverse Aotearoa. Yet here she is—operational, majestic, and undeniably timeless. Picking her up in Christchurch wasn’t merely a handover; it was a reclamation of history, restored by enthusiasts who knew instantly she belonged again on the road.

From Earthquake to Elegance

Christchurch’s scars were fresh. Buildings stood silent, roads bore cracks, and yet amidst this rebirth, our Routemaster stood proud. Handshakes were exchanged, paperwork signed, and our journey North began—not just a drive, but a moving tribute.

Scenic Stopover: Kaikōura’s Coastal Beauty

Our first real pause came in Kaikōura. Against a backdrop of jagged cliffs and Pacific waves, the Routemaster glowed – a vintage relic framed by nature’s grandeur. Tourists paused, cameras clicked, and history met geography in a single breath.

Onward, To Auckland

With coastal charm behind us and horizons ahead, that iconic engine rumbled on. She’s more than a bus—we’re not just moving wheels but chapters of nostalgia across the North Island. Stay tuned for photos and stories of her triumphant arrival in Auckland.

Let’s Keep Rolling

Want behind-the-scenes glimpses of her journey or the restoration stories that brought her back to life? Let me know—I’d be happy to share.