Why We Built a City Tour That’s About the Journey — Not Just the Stops
Auckland has plenty of ways to see the city.
You can hop on and off at landmarks, race from one attraction to another, or try to squeeze a dozen sights into a single day. But sometimes, in the rush to “see everything,” you end up missing the best part — the simple joy of being there.
That’s why we built Vintage Views: a sightseeing tour that slows everything down. A tour where you can sit back, relax, and see Auckland unfold from the top deck of a beautifully restored 1960s London Routemaster double-decker bus.
🚍 The Idea Behind Vintage Views
The idea was born from a simple question: what if seeing Auckland felt more like an experience and less like a schedule?
Our founder, Benjamin Dale, has spent over 20 years in New Zealand’s tourism industry and nearly a decade operating transport services across Auckland. Over that time, he’s watched thousands of visitors arrive, eager to see the city — and leave feeling they’d barely had a moment to breathe it in.
“We wanted to create something that brought back the romance of travel,” says Ben. “A tour that wasn’t about ticking boxes, but about enjoying the view — literally.”
And so Dorothy was born — a lovingly restored Routemaster that once served the streets of London, now carrying guests through Auckland’s skyline and seaside suburbs.
🏙️ Seeing Auckland Differently
The Vintage Views City Tour isn’t a hop-on hop-off service.
It’s a guided 90-minute journey designed for people who want to see the best of Auckland without worrying about where to get off next.
The route covers all the highlights — Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour, Ponsonby, Parnell Village, and Mission Bay — but it’s not about rushing through them. It’s about seeing the city as a whole story: the old and the new, the skyline and the sea, the history and the humour.
Each tour is hosted by friendly local guides who share stories, insights, and a few good laughs along the way. You’ll learn how Auckland grew from a colonial harbour to a modern cultural hub, why Ponsonby’s villas are painted in pastel hues, and what makes Mission Bay such a favourite local escape.
💺 Comfort, Charm & Connection
The Routemaster was designed for conversation and community — two decks of open seating, wide windows, and that unmistakable red exterior that turns heads wherever it goes.
Inside, Dorothy is completely refurbished: comfortable seats, smooth suspension, and full weather protection (she’s not open-top, so your view stays perfect even on a rainy day).
Every seat is the best seat in the house.
From the top deck, you’ll see the city’s skyline glinting above the harbour; from the lower level, you’ll feel part of the streetscape as you roll through Auckland’s neighbourhoods.
This isn’t just sightseeing — it’s story-seeing.
🌤️ Designed for Every Traveller
We built Vintage Views to suit everyone:
Cruise visitors docking in Auckland who want an easy, comfortable, memorable way to explore.
Families looking for something unique and affordable that kids will actually enjoy.
Couples wanting a relaxed, photo-worthy experience that fits any itinerary.
Locals who’ve lived here for years but never seen Auckland from this angle.
The beauty of the Routemaster is timeless. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Aucklander, it makes the familiar feel new again.
💬 Experience Over Itinerary
Many tours focus on convenience.
We focus on connection.
Our guests don’t spend their day waiting for buses or checking maps — they get to sit, smile, and enjoy the ride. It’s the difference between watching Auckland go by and feeling like part of it.
The tour is structured as one seamless journey: you board once, travel in comfort, and finish with a richer sense of the city — not just a handful of photos, but a story that stays with you.
It’s simple, it’s elegant, and it’s designed to make sightseeing feel like a pleasure again.
💸 Value That Speaks for Itself
With tickets starting from $49 for adults and $29 for children, Vintage Views is one of the most accessible premium experiences in Auckland.
But the real value isn’t just the price — it’s in the feeling.
The feeling of being on a true piece of transport history, hearing stories from real Aucklanders, and seeing the city from the best seat in town.
You won’t find another vehicle like Dorothy in all of New Zealand — or another tour quite like this one.
📸 Built for the Modern Traveller
Our guests often call it “the most photogenic tour in Auckland.”
The bus itself is a landmark on wheels — bright red, camera-ready, and instantly recognisable.
We designed our route to pass through the most scenic streets and viewpoints, giving you perfect photo moments at every turn. From the Viaduct’s shimmering water to the Sky Tower’s reflections at sunset, the view is always worth the click.
It’s not unusual for locals to stop, wave, or snap a photo as Dorothy passes by. The result? You don’t just see Auckland — you become part of its daily rhythm.
❤️ From Our Family to Yours
Vintage Views isn’t owned by a global tour chain — it’s a family-run local business built with pride and passion.
Ben and his family have poured their hearts into restoring Dorothy and crafting a tour that captures what makes Auckland special. Every departure feels personal — a welcome aboard, a smile, and the sense that you’re part of something genuine.
“My family and I wanted to create something lasting,” Ben says.
“Something that makes people smile, brings the city to life, and gives visitors a story to take home.”
🌆 The Journey Ahead
Vintage Views is just getting started, and every tour helps us grow — one smile, one story, one photo at a time.
As Auckland continues to evolve, we’ll keep celebrating its character, its beauty, and its people — all from the top deck of the world’s most beloved bus.
So next time you’re looking for a city tour that’s more than a route, come ride with us.
Experience Auckland the way it deserves to be seen — from a seat aboard Dorothy, where every journey is a view worth remembering.
📍 Book Your Seat
🎟️ Adults from $49 | Children from $29
🕒 90-Minute Guided City Tour
📍 Departs Central Auckland Daily
🌐 Book at vintageviews.co.nz