Things to Do in Auckland — Explore the City by Zone with Vintage Views
Auckland isn’t just one city — it’s a collection of vibrant neighbourhoods, each with its own style, skyline, and story.
From the glittering Viaduct Harbour to the leafy villas of Parnell and the golden sands of Mission Bay, every corner of Tāmaki Makaurau reveals something new.
The easiest way to experience them all?
Aboard Dorothy, our lovingly restored 1960s London double-decker bus, as she glides through the city on the Vintage Views Double Decker Discovery Tour.
This guide gives you a local’s look at the areas we pass through — and a few extra ideas if you want to linger longer.
🚍 See the Best of Auckland — All in One Ride
Our 90-minute sightseeing tour connects the city’s most iconic districts:
CBD & Viaduct Harbour → Ponsonby → Karangahape Road (K Rd) → Parnell → Mission Bay
No hopping on and off. No confusing maps. Just one smooth journey with unbeatable views from the top deck.
🎟️ Book your seat: vintageviews.co.nz
🏙️ Auckland CBD & Viaduct Harbour — The Heart of the City
The city centre is where our tour begins, surrounded by glass towers, waterfront restaurants, and the iconic Sky Tower that defines Auckland’s skyline.
From your seat aboard Dorothy, you’ll roll past Britomart, the Viaduct Harbour, and Queen Street, seeing the city from a completely new perspective.
Down below, the waterfront hums with cafés and superyachts — a perfect introduction to the energy of Auckland.
Top things to do nearby:
Ride the glass elevator up the Sky Tower for 360-degree views.
Stroll the Viaduct Promenade and sample fresh seafood at harbour-side restaurants.
Visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum for stories of seafaring and migration.
🔗 More about Central Auckland at AucklandNZ.com
☕ Ponsonby — Style, Culture & Character
A few minutes from the CBD, Ponsonby feels like another world: chic boutiques, buzzing cafés, and colourful villas that speak to Auckland’s creative side.
From the top deck, you’ll see locals enjoying brunch beneath century-old verandas, and streets lined with palms and heritage shopfronts.
This is where Auckland’s culture meets conversation — the perfect place to pause for coffee or dinner before or after your tour.
Highlights:
Stroll Ponsonby Road for boutique shopping and designer stores.
Dine at one of Auckland’s most celebrated restaurants and rooftop bars.
Explore the side streets for heritage architecture and murals.
🔗 Explore Ponsonby on AucklandNZ.com
🎨 Karangahape Road (K Rd) — Creativity & Colour
Few places capture Auckland’s personality like K Rd. Once known for its fringe scene, today it’s a thriving mix of vintage shops, live-music venues, art galleries, and nightlife.
Our Routemaster glides along the ridge, giving guests a view of bold murals, eclectic storefronts, and glimpses of the city stretching out in every direction.
By day, K Rd is full of artists and café-goers. By night, it glows with neon and rhythm — the beating heart of Auckland’s creative soul.
What to see:
Pop into St Kevin’s Arcade for independent cafés and galleries.
Catch a gig or comedy show at one of the legendary venues.
Photograph the panoramic skyline from the ridge.
🔗 Discover K Road on AucklandNZ.com
🏛️ Parnell — Auckland’s Heritage & Green Spaces
As we curve down Parnell Rise, Auckland’s modern bustle melts away into leafy streets and timeless charm.
Elegant villas, boutique galleries, and ivy-covered cafés make this suburb a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
The highlight from the top deck is Auckland Domain — the city’s oldest park — with the War Memorial Museum perched proudly above.
It’s a moment of pure postcard perfection.
Don’t miss:
Auckland War Memorial Museum for history and ANZAC heritage.
Parnell Village for artisan shopping and coffee stops.
The Rose Gardens, overlooking the harbour.
🔗 Read more about Parnell on AucklandNZ.com
🌿 Support the Tiaki Promise — Travel Kindly
🌊 Mission Bay — Sunshine & Sea Breeze
The final stretch of our route opens onto the sea.
As the bus rounds Tamaki Drive, the horizon glitters — Rangitoto Island in the distance, the water sparkling under the Auckland sun.
This is Mission Bay, the city’s favourite seaside escape.
From your top-deck seat, you’ll spot beachgoers, cyclists, and families enjoying ice creams on the promenade — a perfect scene of laid-back Kiwi life.
Things to do at Mission Bay:
Walk the beachfront promenade or hire a bike.
Enjoy fish & chips or gelato with ocean views.
Capture sunset photos as the sky turns gold and violet.
🔗 Plan your Mission Bay visit on AucklandNZ.com
🌏 See It All — The Vintage Way
You could spend days exploring Auckland’s neighbourhoods — or see them all in 90 minutes from the best seat in town.
Our Double Decker Discovery Tour connects every zone, combining storytelling, heritage, and panoramic views in one unforgettable ride.
🎟️ Book now: vintageviews.co.nz/tours
🕒 90 minutes · Fully guided · Adults $49 · Children $29