About this tour
When Alex from our BugBitten team hopped aboard this restored 1964 London Routemaster, it felt less like a standard city tour and more like stepping into Auckland's transport heritage for 90 minutes. You're riding a genuine piece of history — the iconic red double-decker that'll have locals doing double-takes — as it loops through the CBD, waterfront, and skyline views. The bus itself is the draw here: vintage fittings, that unmistakable clang of the bell, and the slight rattle of an engine that's seen decades. It works whether you're fresh off the plane or a lifelong Aucklander after a new angle on familiar streets.
Highlights
- Authentic 1964 Routemaster — not a replica, actual vintage bus.
- Upper deck views of yachts, harbour, and the city skyline unfold seamlessly.
- Heads turn everywhere you go — genuinely unusual sightseeing mode.
- Vintage interior details and that unmistakable classic travel feeling.
- Manageable 90-minute duration, no marathon commitment required.
- Waterfront stretch offers a refreshing vantage on Auckland's working harbour.
- Works for all fitness levels and welcomes service animals aboard.
What to expect
The bus picks you up and immediately you're noticing the admiring glances from pedestrians — this thing is a proper conversation starter. The climb to the upper deck is narrow and a touch steep, so mind your footing, but the payoff is worth it. Once settled, the route takes you through downtown Auckland's busier streets first, then opens up along the waterfront where the perspective genuinely shifts. Seeing the harbour and moored yachts from above, with the city climbing up behind, hits differently than street level. The 90 minutes moves at a gentle pace — no rushing, no heavy narration, just the hum of an older engine and the city rolling past. It's the kind of tour that rewards a bit of patience and observation rather than non-stop talking points.
What surprised us was how much character the bus itself carries. The interior fittings, the narrow aisles, the slight sway as it corners — it all adds texture to what could've been a bland loop. Weather can be a factor on the upper deck (wind, occasional drizzle), so dress in layers if Auckland's forecast looks changeable.
What travellers say
- Genuine 1964 Routemaster — authentic heritage, not a modern pastiche.
- Upper deck vantage transforms familiar city views into something fresh.
- Unusual and memorable — genuinely rare way to see Auckland.
- Relaxed pacing suits all fitness levels and casual explorers.
- Service animals welcome, suitable for most ages and abilities.
- Upper deck fully exposed — weather can spoil the experience quickly.
- Not recommended for spinal conditions or significant mobility challenges.
- Infants must sit on laps; narrow stairs challenging with luggage.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works brilliantly if you love transport history, want a different angle on Auckland without heavy lifting, or just fancy something genuinely unusual to do on a spare afternoon. It's intimate enough that you're not packed in like a stadium tour, and the novelty factor means you'll see the city with fresh eyes. Kids usually love the double-decker thrill, and service animals are welcome.
The upper deck is exposed to the elements — no roof, so heavy rain or biting wind can dampen the experience. Spinal issues make this not suitable; the bus has a fair bit of movement and older suspension. Infants need to sit on your lap (no dedicated seats), which can be awkward over 90 minutes. The stairs up are steep and narrow — not ideal if you've mobility concerns or are carrying serious luggage. Peak times (school holidays, weekends) might mean tighter booking windows.
Bring a light jacket, sunscreen, and a camera with a wide lens. The tour includes private transportation (the bus ride itself). Standard group size keeps it cosy. Best booked in advance, especially during tourist season.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.