Why Auckland’s Routemaster Bus Tour is the City’s Most Unique Experience
Introduction
Every city has its icons. In Paris, it’s the Eiffel Tower. In London, it’s Big Ben. And in Auckland, it’s the sparkling harbour, the Sky Tower, and now — a restored 1960s London Routemaster bus rolling through the streets.
The Vintage Views Double-Decker Discovery Tour isn’t just another sightseeing bus. It’s history, atmosphere, and pure fun woven together into a 90-minute adventure that shows you Auckland in a way you won’t forget. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city, a cruise passenger with limited time, or a traveller ticking off your Auckland bucket list, this is the experience you’ve been looking for.
The Routemaster: A Rolling Piece of History 🚍
The Routemaster isn’t just a bus. First launched in the 1950s, it became a symbol of London for decades — instantly recognizable with its bold red paint, open rear platform, and elegant curves.
By the early 2000s, these buses were retired from everyday service, replaced by modern transport. But for those who loved them, the Routemaster never disappeared. They were carefully preserved, restored, and sent across the world to live new lives.
Our Routemaster has been lovingly restored in Auckland, where it now carries a new mission: helping travellers and locals see the city with fresh eyes, from the top deck of a true icon.
The Double-Decker Discovery Tour: What You’ll See 🌆
In just 90 minutes, you’ll get a highlights reel of Auckland that feels effortless, fun, and photo-ready.
📍 Central CBD Pickup
Starting from Customs Street near Queen Street, the tour begins in the heart of the city. Within moments you’re climbing to the top deck, settling into vintage seats, and feeling the nostalgia kick in.
🌊 Mission Bay
Cruise along Tamaki Drive, one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads. Mission Bay is Auckland’s favourite beach — complete with golden sand, ice cream shops, and unbeatable views of Rangitoto Island.
🖼️ Parnell
Auckland’s oldest suburb, Parnell is a leafy blend of heritage villas, boutique shops, and art galleries. Seen from above, its charm is undeniable.
🌉 Grafton Bridge & Karangahape Road (K Rd)
Crossing Grafton Bridge offers sweeping skyline views, while K Rd brings a completely different flavour: eclectic, colourful, and buzzing with creativity.
🎶 Ponsonby
Known for its nightlife, restaurants, and heritage homes, Ponsonby is where Auckland’s stylish side shines. From the Routemaster’s top deck, you’ll see its character in every detail.
✨ Auckland Harbour Bridge
The finale of the journey: soaring across the Harbour Bridge in a vintage bus. This moment combines thrill, beauty, and a sense of being part of something truly special.
Why Vintage Views is Different from Other Tours
Plenty of tours operate in Auckland — ferries, hop-on hop-off buses, private drivers. But here’s why Vintage Views stands out:
Iconic vehicle – the only operating Routemaster bus in New Zealand.
Affordable pricing – Adults $49, Kids $19, making it accessible for families.
Atmosphere – it’s not just a ride, it’s theatre on wheels.
Convenience – central CBD pick-up and multiple daily departures.
Local connection – run by a proudly Kiwi-owned business with a passion for storytelling.
More Than a Tour: Weddings & Corporate Hire 💍🍾
The Routemaster isn’t just a sightseeing bus — it’s an experience you can make your own. For weddings, imagine arriving at your venue in a vintage double-decker. It’s stylish, unexpected, and unforgettable. For corporate groups, it’s the perfect icebreaker — a moving venue that impresses clients or energizes your team.
👉 Learn more: Weddings & Events with Vintage Views
How Families Benefit 👨👩👧
Kids adore the Routemaster. Climbing the spiral staircase, sitting on the top deck, waving at pedestrians — it’s a thrill from start to finish. Parents love the stress-free experience: no traffic, no parking, no navigating. At only $19 per child, it’s one of Auckland’s best-value family activities.
Cruise Passengers: The Perfect Shore Excursion 🚢
Only in Auckland for a few hours? The Double-Decker Discovery Tour is designed with you in mind. With multiple daily departures and a pick-up point close to the cruise terminal, it’s the easiest way to see Auckland’s highlights without worrying about missing your ship.
Practical Details You Need to Know
📍 Pick-Up Location: Customs Street (near Queen Street), Auckland CBD
🕒 Duration: 90 minutes
⏰ Departures: 4 daily
🎟️ Tickets: Adults $49 | Children $19
🌐 Book online: Vintage Views Tours
FAQs
Q: Is the Double-Decker Discovery Tour suitable for families?
Absolutely — children love it, and at $19 per child, it’s one of the best-value family activities in Auckland.
Q: Can the Routemaster be hired for weddings or events?
Yes! It’s a unique option for weddings, corporate groups, and private hires.
Q: How long does the tour take?
90 minutes — perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing or as a cruise excursion.
Q: Is this the only Routemaster in Auckland?
Yes — it’s the only operating 1960s Routemaster bus giving tours in New Zealand.
Conclusion: See Auckland Differently 🚍✨
Auckland is a city of contrasts: historic and modern, coastal and urban, vibrant and relaxed. But the way you experience it shapes the memory you carry home.
On the Vintage Views Double-Decker Discovery Tour, every moment feels like stepping into a postcard — except this one moves, tells stories, and lets you share it with the world.
👉 Ready to ride? Book your seat today: www.vintageviews.co.nz/tours