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.

Top 10 Must-See Auckland Landmarks — Best Viewed from a Double-Decker Bus

5 Sept

Written By Benjamin Dale

🌆 Why See Auckland from a Double-Decker?

Auckland is a city of contrasts — sparkling harbours, volcanic cones, heritage neighbourhoods, and a modern skyline. But to really appreciate it, you need height, comfort, and a route that ties it all together. That’s why Auckland’s only vintage Routemaster bus offers such a unique perspective. From the top deck, you’re elevated above the streets, free to focus on the views while someone else handles the driving.

Here are the top 10 Auckland landmarks that come alive when viewed from a double-decker bus.

1. Auckland Harbour Bridge

The Harbour Bridge isn’t just a piece of infrastructure — it’s a gateway to the city. From the top deck, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the Waitematā Harbour, the city skyline, and yachts cruising below. By car, the experience is fleeting; from the bus, it’s a highlight.

2. Sky Tower

At 328 metres, the Sky Tower dominates Auckland’s skyline. But instead of craning your neck from the pavement, the double-decker lets you admire it comfortably. It’s especially dramatic at sunset when the tower lights up, creating a striking contrast against the evening sky.

3. Auckland War Memorial Museum & Domain

The Auckland Domain is the city’s oldest park, with wide open lawns, mature trees, and Wintergardens full of exotic plants. At its centre stands the grand Auckland Museum, a neoclassical building dedicated to history and remembrance. From the bus, the approach up the hill frames it perfectly.

4. Mission Bay Beach

Aucklanders love Mission Bay for its golden sand, lively promenade, and iconic fountain. From the bus, the beach unfolds in a panorama — joggers, families, ice-cream shops, and sparkling water. It’s one of the most photogenic and relaxing stops on any sightseeing route.

5. Ponsonby’s Heritage Streets

Ponsonby is famous for boutique shops, cafes, and restored Victorian villas. On foot you might miss the architecture, but from the top deck you get a bird’s-eye view of wrought iron balconies, colourful facades, and leafy streets.

6. Auckland Domain Wintergardens

Hidden inside the Domain, the Wintergardens’ glasshouses are a delight. While the bus can’t drive inside, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding park, encouraging guests to hop off and explore.

7. Devonport & Mount Victoria

Across the harbour sits Devonport, one of Auckland’s most charming seaside suburbs. When the Routemaster heads along the waterfront, you can see ferries crossing and Mount Victoria rising behind the town — a postcard-perfect view.

8. Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter

Once an industrial port, the Viaduct is now a hub of restaurants, bars, and superyachts. From the top deck, you can see masts, people strolling the boardwalks, and the interplay between old wharf buildings and new glass towers.

9. Parnell Rose Gardens

Especially in summer, the Parnell Rose Gardens explode with colour. The Routemaster’s vantage point lets you take in the beds of roses with the harbour as a backdrop. It’s a classic Auckland contrast — urban yet natural, cultivated yet wild.

10. Rangitoto Island

While not a drive-by landmark, Rangitoto dominates Auckland’s eastern skyline. From the double-decker’s top deck, you get unobstructed views across the Hauraki Gulf to this volcanic island, its symmetrical cone a striking reminder of the region’s geology.

🚌 Why a Double-Decker Makes the Difference

Seeing these landmarks from a bus isn’t just about convenience. It’s about perspective. Elevated above traffic, you capture the big picture — the skyline, the water, the greenery, the way the city flows together. Plus, travelling on a 1963 London Routemaster adds nostalgia and charm, turning a sightseeing trip into an experience.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I see all 10 landmarks in one tour?
Yes. Vintage Views’ sightseeing routes are designed to cover Auckland’s highlights in comfort.

Q: Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely. Kids love riding on the top deck.

Q: Do you stop at the landmarks?
Some are drive-bys (Harbour Bridge), while others allow time to hop off and explore.

👉 Discover Auckland differently. Book your seat aboard the city’s only vintage Routemaster at VintageViews.co.nz.

Benjamin Dale