“See the City Differently”: Why Auckland Looks Better from the Top Deck
Auckland is a city of layers — sky towers and volcanic peaks, glittering harbours and historic streets, beach suburbs and bush-covered hills.
But to truly see it, you have to rise above it.
For decades, Londoners discovered their city from the open windows of a red Routemaster double-decker. Now, Aucklanders and visitors can do the same — thanks to Vintage Views’ Double Decker Discovery Tour.
It’s sightseeing with soul — a nostalgic, story-filled ride through the City of Sails aboard a lovingly restored 1960s icon named Dorothy.
🚍 A Bus with Personality — and a Story
When Dorothy first rolled off the London assembly line in the 1960s, she carried commuters through Piccadilly and Westminster. After a lifetime in service, she’s found her forever home in Auckland, restored bolt-by-bolt by the Dale family, a passionate team of Kiwi transport enthusiasts.
Today, she’s not just a vehicle — she’s the heart of the Vintage Views experience:
Hand-polished brass rails, wooden floors, and red leather seats
Warm local guides who turn the city’s streets into a living museum
A rumbling diesel engine that feels like a heartbeat from another era
Every tour on Dorothy is a blend of nostalgia, storytelling, and Kiwi hospitality.
🌉 Why the Top Deck Wins Every Time
If you’ve ever tried to take photos from a car, you’ll know the frustration — too low, too fast, too many reflections.
From Dorothy’s upper deck, you’re suddenly above the traffic, eye-level with the skyline. It’s the perfect vantage point to see Auckland in full panorama:
The curve of the Harbour Bridge stretching across the Waitematā
The Sky Tower gleaming like a lighthouse above the city
The villas of Parnell tucked into green volcanic slopes
The golden sands of Mission Bay sparkling beneath pohutukawa trees
Every turn reveals another postcard view — and you don’t need to hop off once.
🕰️ The Vintage Difference
Modern sightseeing can feel rushed, impersonal, and automated. But Vintage Views takes the opposite approach:
slow travel with charm.
Here’s what makes the experience stand out:
Live commentary from friendly local hosts, not recorded scripts.
Unhurried pacing — enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Heritage design — a tactile reminder of when travel meant adventure.
Limited seats — a more personal, premium experience.
It’s proof that you can offer a high-quality city tour without turning it into a conveyor belt.
🌞 Perfect for Cruise Guests, Couples & Locals Alike
Whether you’ve just docked at the Auckland cruise terminal or you’re a local rediscovering your own backyard, the Double Decker Discovery fits perfectly into your day:
Cruise visitors: One-and-a-half hours of scenic highlights, all within walking distance of the port.
Couples: A romantic, retro experience to share — complete with vintage vibes and city views.
Locals: Show your visiting friends “your Auckland” from a new angle.
Every guest leaves with photos, memories, and that nostalgic smile only a double-decker can deliver.
🧭 The Route: Auckland’s Greatest Hits
Your journey covers the city’s iconic highlights — each chosen for its views, history, and storytelling potential:
Queen Street & Viaduct Basin – Auckland’s beating heart.
Auckland War Memorial Museum – heritage and pride atop the Domain.
Mission Bay – where locals gather for seaside serenity.
Parnell Village – boutiques, cafés, and cobblestone charm.
Harbour Bridge Lookout – skyline in full panoramic glory.
From the city centre to the coastal edge, it’s a 90-minute cinematic loop — narrated live by people who love this city as much as you will.
💚 Sustainable Nostalgia
Restoring Dorothy wasn’t just about saving a classic — it was about reusing history in a modern, sustainable way.
Every kilometre she drives is one fewer new bus built, one more story kept alive.
Vintage Views also proudly supports New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise, encouraging visitors to protect and respect our environment while exploring it.
📸 Photo Ops That Define Auckland
Aboard Dorothy, even amateur photographers become pros.
The big windows, height advantage, and open top (with clear glass) create perfect lighting for those once-in-a-lifetime shots:
Sky Tower framed by palm trees along Queen Street
Harbour Bridge reflections on the blue water below
Sunlight through pohutukawa blooms near Mission Bay
Pro tip: sit on the upper deck, left-hand side for the best skyline shots.
⭐ Real Reviews from Real Travellers
“It felt like stepping back in time — friendly hosts, great music, amazing views.”
— Janet B., Melbourne
“The best way to see Auckland in under two hours. Loved every minute.”
— Chris P., Gold Coast
“Beautifully restored bus and such an easy tour right from the cruise terminal.”
— Oliver M., London
🕒 Tour Essentials
DetailInfoDuration~90 minutesDepartures9 AM · 11 AM · 1:30 PMDeparture PointCorner of Queen & Customs Streets, 2-minute walk from cruise wharfPriceFrom $49 NZD per adultBookingvintageviews.nz or via GetYourGuide / Viator
🧳 Why Vintage Views Belongs on Every Traveller’s List
In a world full of copy-and-paste tours, Vintage Views brings back something rare — character.
It’s sightseeing that feels human, historic, and happy.
You’ll see the sights, hear the stories, and experience Auckland from a seat that’s truly unforgettable.
So if you’re planning your next cruise stop or weekend outing, remember:
Some tours show you Auckland — this one lets you feel it.