Vintage Views at the Stuff Special Christmas Party: A Day of Joy, Community, and a Very Special Red Bus
Last Saturday was one of those days that quietly reminds you why you do what you do.
The Vintage Views team was incredibly proud and deeply honoured to attend and sponsor the Stuff Special Christmas Party, a truly special community event that brought together families and children from across the Auckland region — many of whom face daily challenges that most of us never see.
For us, it wasn’t about tickets sold, schedules kept, or kilometres driven. It was about connection, joy, and sharing something genuinely memorable.
And at the heart of it all was Dorothy — our lovingly restored vintage London double-decker bus — who turned out to be a surprise hit with well over a thousand children (big and small) throughout the day.
A Vintage London Bus, A Modern Auckland Christmas
There’s something magical about a classic red double-decker bus.
For some children, it was their very first time climbing the stairs of a double-decker.
For others, it sparked questions, laughter, and wide-eyed wonder:
“How old is it?”
“Did it really drive in London?”
“Can we sit upstairs again?”
Dorothy didn’t just arrive — she arrived with presence.
From the moment she rolled in, the bus became a focal point of the event. Families gathered, photos were taken, stories were shared, and smiles were everywhere. What we expected to be a fun visual feature quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of the day.
And honestly? Watching children experience that sense of wonder is exactly why we restored her in the first place.
Working With Families and Children Is a Privilege
The Stuff Special Christmas Party is not an ordinary event.
It exists to bring joy, celebration, and dignity to families across Auckland — including many with children who have special needs, health challenges, or complex circumstances. Being invited into that space carries responsibility, and we approached the day with care, respect, and gratitude.
To work alongside families and children from right across the region is a privilege, not a given.
We were humbled by:
The kindness of parents and caregivers
The patience, curiosity, and excitement of the kids
The generosity of organisers and volunteers who make events like this possible
It reminded us that community isn’t a slogan — it’s something you show up for.
Dorothy the Bus: More Than Transport
At Vintage Views, we often say that Dorothy is more than a bus — she’s a storyteller on wheels.
Last Saturday proved that in the best possible way.
She wasn’t there to move people from A to B.
She was there to create moments:
A child waving from the top deck
A family photo they’ll keep forever
A shared laugh with a stranger
A small adventure that felt big
In a world that can feel rushed and digital, a beautifully restored vintage bus has a way of slowing things down — inviting people to look up, smile, and connect.
A Family-Owned Auckland Company, Proud to Give Back
Vintage Views is a family-owned Auckland business, born from a love of heritage, storytelling, and this city we call home.
Restoring Dorothy wasn’t just about launching tours — it was about preserving something tangible and sharing it. Community events like this are exactly where we believe local businesses should be present.
Supporting the Stuff Special Christmas Party aligns perfectly with our values:
Community first
Inclusion always
Experiences that bring people together
We don’t take lightly the opportunity to give back, especially at events that exist purely to spread joy.
Why Events Like This Matter (Especially at Christmas)
Christmas can be magical — but it can also be incredibly hard for many families.
That’s why events like the Stuff Special Christmas Party matter so much. They create:
Shared joy without barriers
Safe, welcoming spaces
Moments of celebration that don’t require anything in return
To be even a small part of that — to park a red bus, open the doors, and welcome people aboard — is something we’re genuinely proud of.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to:
The organisers and volunteers behind the Stuff Special Christmas Party
The families who welcomed us so warmly
Every child who climbed aboard Dorothy with excitement and curiosity
And to Auckland — thank you for continuing to support local, family-run businesses that care deeply about community.
From all of us at Vintage Views, we wish you a joyful, safe, and memorable Christmas season.
If you see a bright red vintage double-decker bus rolling through the city this summer, give us a wave — you’ll know she’s still out there doing what she does best: making people smile.