Why Auckland is Best Seen From the Top Deck: The Vintage Views Difference
Introduction: Seeing a City Differently
Every city has its skyline, its waterfront, its postcard moments. Auckland has all of these in spades — the towering Sky Tower, the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island, the sweeping Harbour Bridge. But the way you experience these sights shapes the story you take home.
Most visitors explore Auckland on foot, by ferry, or in the back seat of a taxi. At Vintage Views, we believe in something better: a 1960s London Routemaster bus, fully restored, now rolling through the streets of Auckland. Step aboard, climb to the top deck, and suddenly the city looks different. Elevated views, retro charm, and a sightseeing experience that is as photogenic as it is unforgettable.
This is more than a tour. It’s the Vintage Views difference.
The Routemaster Legacy: From London to Auckland
The Routemaster bus was first introduced in 1956 and quickly became one of the most recognisable symbols of London life. With its bright red paintwork, open rear platform, and unique styling, it carried millions of commuters and tourists for decades. By the early 2000s, many Routemasters were retired from daily service — but their legacy lived on.
Collectors around the world worked to preserve them. For us at Vintage Views, that meant sourcing an authentic Routemaster, shipping it across the globe, and lovingly restoring it for a new purpose: showcasing Auckland to locals and visitors alike.
Bringing this piece of heritage here wasn’t just about nostalgia — it was about creating an experience that no other city in New Zealand can offer.
Why the Top Deck Makes Auckland Shine
The top deck of a Routemaster isn’t just a seat. It’s an observation deck on wheels.
Mission Bay 🌊: From above the cars, the curve of the beach and the silhouette of Rangitoto come into view.
Parnell 🖼️: Tree-lined avenues and historic villas look like a postcard when viewed from the second floor.
K Road & Grafton Bridge 🌉: The cultural edge of Auckland and panoramic harbour angles combine into a scene that photographs beautifully.
Ponsonby 🎶: Known for its cafes and nightlife, Ponsonby from the top deck is vibrant, colourful, and buzzing.
Harbour Bridge ✨: The grand finale. Crossing the bridge in a Routemaster feels like theatre — the city skyline spread out in front of you, sea and sky stretching forever.
From the top deck, Auckland reveals itself differently. Even locals rediscover their city in ways they never expected.
The Double-Decker Discovery Tour
Our flagship product, the 90-minute Double-Decker Discovery Tour, is carefully designed to deliver the best of Auckland in a single loop.
🎟️ Price: $49 Adults | $19 Children
🕒 Duration: 90 minutes
⏰ Departures: 4 times daily
📍 Pick-Up Point: Corner of Customs St & Queen St, CBD
This makes it easy for cruise ship passengers, weekend explorers, or families to fit it into their day.
More than a sightseeing bus, the Routemaster offers an immersive, story-driven journey through Auckland’s past and present.
👉 Learn more and book here: Vintage Views Tours
Why Vintage Views Stands Out
There are sightseeing buses in many cities. So why choose Vintage Views?
Authenticity: This isn’t a replica. It’s a real Routemaster with history in its wheels.
Affordability: At $49, it undercuts hop-on hop-off buses while offering far more character.
Atmosphere: From the red paintwork to the retro seating, every moment feels special.
Community Connection: Locally owned, Kiwi operated, and proud to showcase Auckland.
When you step aboard, you’re not just catching a ride — you’re stepping into history.
Beyond Tours: Weddings, Corporate Events & Private Hire
The Routemaster is versatile. By day, it’s Auckland’s most iconic sightseeing bus. By night or on weekends, it transforms into the perfect venue for weddings, private hires, and corporate events.
💍 Weddings: Arrive in unforgettable style, with a vehicle that doubles as a backdrop for your photos. Learn more here: Vintage Views Weddings.
🏢 Corporate: Give your clients or team a story worth retelling — a Routemaster ride beats a minivan shuttle every time.
🎉 Private Parties: From birthdays to hens nights, the Routemaster sets the tone for fun and memories.
This adaptability makes Vintage Views more than just a tour operator — we’re an experience provider.
Linking With Auckland’s Wider Attractions
We know Auckland is bigger than one tour. That’s why we’ve built a dedicated Things To Do in Auckland page to help visitors explore more. From Sky Tower thrills to the Auckland Art Gallery, from ferry trips to Waiheke to the boutique lanes of Parnell, we want to help every traveller make the most of their time here.
By pairing our Routemaster ride with local attractions, we create a complete day out — and a reason for visitors to extend their stay in Auckland.
Practical Tips for Riders
Arrive 10 minutes early at the Customs St & Queen St pickup point.
Bring your camera — the top deck is full of Instagram-worthy moments.
Wear layers: the bus is cosy but Auckland weather can be unpredictable.
Plan to combine your tour with a CBD highlight like the Viaduct or Sky Tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Routemaster suitable for families with young children?
Absolutely! Kids love the novelty of climbing to the top deck. Tickets are just $19 for children, making it one of the best-value family activities in Auckland.
Q: Where does the tour start?
All tours begin in the CBD at Customs Street, near Queen Street. This makes it easy to reach from hotels, cruise terminals, and public transport.
Q: Can the Routemaster be hired privately?
Yes — for weddings, corporate events, and private functions. Learn more at our Weddings page.
Q: How is Vintage Views different from other sightseeing buses?
Our Routemaster is authentic, locally restored, and unique in New Zealand. It’s not just sightseeing — it’s theatre on wheels.
Conclusion: See Auckland Differently
Auckland is a city of beauty, vibrancy, and stories. But the way you see it matters. From the top deck of a Routemaster, the streets transform into an experience that’s fun, nostalgic, and unforgettable.
At Vintage Views, we don’t just show you the sights — we give you a memory to carry home.
👉 Book your Double-Decker Discovery Tour today: www.vintageviews.co.nz/tours