Guest Reviews — See Auckland Through Their Eyes
Auckland’s Best Tour — The Top Choice for Cruise Visitors
When visitors ask what the best tour in Auckland is, both locals and international guests agree — Vintage Views stands proudly at the top.
Our Double Decker Discovery experience has become one of Auckland’s highest-rated city tours, consistently earning 5-star reviews from cruise-ship passengers, travel writers, and tour partners alike.
The Best Cruise Ship Tour in Auckland
Cruise passengers from Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Australia, and Holland America Line have all chosen Vintage Views as their preferred shore-excursion experience while in port.
Our tour combines 90 minutes of heritage, harbour views, and live storytelling, all departing just a short walk from Auckland’s cruise terminal — making it the most convenient and memorable city tour for cruise guests.
“The perfect way to see Auckland in a short time — great commentary, iconic bus, and right by the ship!”
— Royal Caribbean Passenger Review, 2025
Why Cruise Lines and Visitors Love Vintage Views
Unique Experience — The only operational 1960s London Routemaster in regular sightseeing service in New Zealand.
Cruise-Ready Schedule — Timed perfectly with port calls; easy walk from Princes Wharf and Queens Wharf.
City Highlights in 90 Minutes — See Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Domain, Parnell Village & more.
Live Local Commentary — Real stories from real Aucklanders — not pre-recorded scripts.
Rated Among Auckland’s Top Things To Do on Google, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor.
For cruise-passenger convenience, no transfer is needed — simply step off the ship and onto the tour. It’s a complete city experience designed to fit perfectly within your port stay.
Auckland’s Trusted Sightseeing & Shore-Excursion Partner
With a reputation for quality, professionalism, and that extra touch of Kiwi warmth, Vintage Views is now recognised as Auckland’s best cruise-ship tour by both independent travellers and industry partners.
Our family-run company has worked alongside inbound operators, port agents, and hotel concierges to deliver seamless sightseeing for thousands of international guests each year.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a returning cruiser, or a travel agent seeking an authentic Auckland experience for your clients, Vintage Views offers the gold standard in city touring.
“An absolute highlight of our time in New Zealand. Beautiful bus, knowledgeable guide, and such a friendly Kiwi welcome.”
— Princess Cruises Guest Review, 2025
What Our Guests Say About Vintage Views
Every day, guests from around New Zealand and around the world climb aboard Dorothy — our lovingly restored 1960s London Routemaster — to discover Auckland from a whole new angle.
From skyline sunsets to harbour views, Vintage Views has quickly become one of Auckland’s most talked-about city experiences. Here’s what recent travellers had to say about the tour, the team, and the view from the top deck.
We’re proud that so many guests describe their time on board as the highlight of their Auckland visit.
Each review below comes from real travellers who joined our Double Decker Discovery Tour — sharing their memories, photos, and smiles.
If you’ve ridden with us recently, we’d love to hear your story too. Your feedback helps us keep Auckland’s most iconic bus rolling.
“We booked this tour straight from our cruise ship at Princes Wharf and it was absolutely perfect. Just a five-minute walk from the terminal and we were on board Dorothy, the beautiful red double-decker. In 90 minutes we saw all of Auckland — Sky Tower, Parnell, the Domain and Viaduct Harbour — with fun live commentary from a local guide. The timing worked flawlessly with our ship schedule. Honestly the best thing we did in port! Highly recommend to any cruise passengers looking for an easy, authentic Auckland tour.”
— ★★★★★ Marianne T., Celebrity Edge Guest
A True Auckland Experience
“Vintage Views gives you a real feel for Auckland — not just the landmarks, but the stories and humour behind them. The bus itself is a gem; you can feel the history as soon as you climb aboard. Our driver and guide were fantastic, weaving local history, Māori heritage and modern city life into one relaxed ride. You couldn’t ask for a better introduction to New Zealand’s biggest city.”
— ★★★★★ Chris M., UK Visitor
Best Auckland Tour We’ve Done
“We’ve visited Auckland before and tried a few sightseeing options, but this one stood out. The Vintage Views bus is immaculate, comfortable and full of character. The commentary is live, not pre-recorded, and really brings the city to life. It’s the ideal mix of nostalgia and modern touring. Five stars for professionalism, friendliness and value. Easily the best Auckland city tour available.”
— ★★★★★ Linda & Paul K., Australia
Great for Families & Short-Stay Visitors
“We only had a few hours in Auckland with our two kids, and this tour made it stress-free and fun. We learned so much, saw the highlights, and even the children loved the vintage bus. Everything ran right on time and we were back at the terminal with plenty of time to re-board. Worth every dollar — such a friendly Kiwi team!”
— ★★★★★ Samantha H., Princess Cruises Passenger
A Must-Do for Cruise Ship Passengers
“As travel agents, we try many tours around the world and this is one we’ll be recommending. The Vintage Views Double Decker Discovery is well-organised, great value and incredibly photogenic. Our clients will love the easy pickup near the port and the chance to see the best of Auckland without wasting time in traffic or transfers. It’s exactly what a cruise-day tour should be: simple, beautiful, and unforgettable.”
— ★★★★★ Travel Advisor Review, 2025
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“The best way to see Auckland — hands down!”
We only had one day in Auckland and this double-decker tour was perfect. Amazing commentary, comfortable seats, and stunning views of the harbour and skyline. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the city.
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“A must-do Auckland sightseeing experience.”
I’ve lived here for years and never realised how beautiful Ponsonby and Parnell look from above. The Routemaster bus is gorgeous — such a unique, nostalgic way to explore.
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“Perfect mix of history and fun.”
The stories about Auckland’s neighbourhoods were so interesting, and our guide made everyone laugh. From the Viaduct to Mission Bay, it’s a relaxed, scenic ride you won’t forget.
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“Beautiful heritage bus and friendly crew.”
Loved every minute on the top deck! The vintage London bus turns heads everywhere it goes. Fantastic for photos and a great family activity.
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“Auckland’s hidden gem for visitors.”
We booked last minute after seeing the red bus drive past — best decision of our trip. Incredible views, great value, and such a friendly local team.
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“So much better than rushing around on your own.”
Instead of juggling ferries and taxis, we sat back and enjoyed Auckland’s highlights in comfort. Great commentary and perfect pace.
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“Loved seeing the city from the top deck.”
The skyline, the trees, the sea — everything looked amazing from up high. The kids adored the ride and the driver was wonderful.
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“A highlight of our cruise stop in Auckland.”
Our ship docked that morning and this tour fit perfectly. 90 minutes of sightseeing, no stress, and a true feel for the city. Easy walk from the cruise terminal too.
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“Authentic Kiwi hospitality and London charm.”
You can tell this is a local family business. Everyone was welcoming, knowledgeable, and proud of what they do. The vintage bus adds so much character.
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“Ideal for photographers!”
I’m a travel photographer — and the shots from the upper deck were unreal. The reflections off the harbour and Sky Tower skyline are unbeatable.
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“Great value, great experience.”
For the price, this was incredible. Comfortable, scenic, and informative — you’d pay double elsewhere for half the experience.
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“Relaxing, fun, and so very Auckland.”
The bus route covers all the main areas — Ponsonby, K Rd, Parnell, Mission Bay — with plenty to see the whole way. Loved the commentary and local stories.
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“Nostalgia on wheels.”
As soon as we stepped aboard, it felt special. The wood panelling, the seats, the classic bell — a perfect balance of history and modern comfort.
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“Five stars from our family.”
The kids couldn’t stop smiling and my parents said it reminded them of old London. Everyone agreed — this was the most memorable thing we did in Auckland.