Vintage Views Auckland — See the City from the Top Deck of a London Icon
A New Way to Discover Auckland
There’s something truly timeless about seeing Auckland from the open top of a classic London Routemaster. The red paint gleaming in the sun, the sound of the engine echoing under the Harbour Bridge, the sea breeze drifting across the deck — it’s nostalgia, adventure, and pure Kiwi hospitality rolled into one.
Welcome aboard Vintage Views, Auckland’s most unique sightseeing experience. Born from a love of heritage vehicles and local storytelling, this tour brings together the charm of Britain’s most famous bus and the beauty of New Zealand’s largest city.
Whether you’re a cruise passenger stepping ashore for the day, a local rediscovering your own backyard, or a visitor looking for something truly authentic — Vintage Views offers a fresh, elevated perspective (literally!).
The Route: A Journey Through Auckland’s Icons
Your journey begins in the heart of downtown Auckland, just steps from the Cruise Terminal on Queen Street and Customs Street East. From there, the red Routemaster rolls north across the Harbour Bridge, offering sweeping views of the Waitematā Harbour, the Sky Tower, and the Viaduct Basin glistening below.
On the other side, the North Shore greets you with leafy streets and panoramic lookouts. You’ll pass Northcote Point, home to historic pubs like the Northcote Tavern, and enjoy postcard-perfect views back toward the city skyline — a favourite among photographers and locals alike.
Returning across the bridge, the tour loops through Ponsonby, Freemans Bay, and the CBD, showcasing Auckland’s mix of history, architecture, and harbourside charm. Along the way, your friendly host shares stories of the city’s evolution — from Māori heritage to colonial trade routes, maritime history, and modern life in the City of Sails.
Why It’s More Than Just a Bus Ride
Vintage Views isn’t a hop-on hop-off service — it’s a “Hop On, Hop Off… Without the Off” experience. That means you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a complete guided loop without worrying about schedules or stops.
Each tour is fully hosted by local guides who know Auckland inside out — blending fun facts, hidden gems, and a few laughs along the way.
You’ll see:
Auckland Harbour Bridge – the city’s great engineering icon.
Sky Tower – the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter – where luxury yachts and great coffee meet.
Ponsonby Road – home to heritage villas, boutique shops, and street art.
Northcote Point Lookout – your picture-perfect skyline view.
And because our tours run in all weather, you can enjoy Auckland’s shifting moods — sunshine, sea mist, or the glow of late afternoon light over the harbour.
The Bus: A Living Piece of London
Meet Dorothy, our lovingly restored 1960s London Routemaster double-decker. She’s not just a vehicle — she’s a piece of history.
Originally built for London Transport, Dorothy served on the streets of the UK capital before making her way to New Zealand, where she’s been restored with care and pride by the Dale family. Every bolt, seat, and panel tells a story — of craftsmanship, culture, and connection.
Her classic red livery and vintage charm make her one of the most photographed vehicles in the country — and the only Routemaster regularly operating public tours in Auckland.
Perfect for Cruise Passengers, Locals & Visitors
Vintage Views operates directly from Auckland’s cruise precinct, making it the easiest sightseeing option for cruise guests short on time but keen on experience.
Cruise Visitors: Depart just a short stroll from your ship.
Locals: Bring visiting friends or family and rediscover your city.
Tour Operators: Ask about our charter options and partner packages.
Each tour runs approximately 90 minutes, with departures throughout the day on weekends and cruise days.
Private Charters & Special Events
Looking for something extra special? The Vintage Views bus is available for private hire — from weddings and photo shoots to corporate events and family celebrations.
Imagine toasting with friends under the Harbour Bridge, hosting a birthday with a view, or arriving at your event in true vintage style. With flexible charter options and onboard hosting, Vintage Views turns any occasion into a memory.
Sustainability Meets Heritage
While the Routemaster hails from the 1960s, Vintage Views operates with modern responsibility. The restoration process focused on preserving heritage materials while improving efficiency and safety standards.
Every kilometre driven celebrates the circular economy — restoring, reusing, and repurposing rather than replacing. The tour promotes low-impact urban tourism, encouraging visitors to explore Auckland in a single loop rather than multiple car trips.
Book Your Seat
Tours operate Saturday and Sunday, with additional departures on cruise ship days.
Seats are limited, so early booking is recommended.
👉 Visit www.vintageviews.co.nz to check times and availability.
📸 Follow @vintageviewsnz for behind-the-scenes updates, restoration photos, and new tour days.
About Vintage Views
Vintage Views is proudly New Zealand-owned and operated by the Dale family, who also run Kiwi Coaches, one of Auckland’s leading transport providers for schools, events, and tourism.
Their mission: to celebrate travel with character — bringing heritage vehicles, local storytelling, and genuine Kiwi hospitality together for today’s travellers.