Vintage Views: Auckland’s Double-Decker Tours Everyone’s Talking About

 

Voted Auckland’s Best New Tours – Five Stars and Pure Nostalgia on Wheels

Auckland’s tour scene has a new icon — and she’s hard to miss. Gleaming red paint, curved London lines, and two decks of pure vintage charm. Meet Dorothy, the beautifully restored 1960s London Routemaster now turning heads across the City of Sails. Operated by the local legends at Vintage Views, this double-decker has taken Auckland’s touring world by storm with two unforgettable experiences: the Double Decker Discovery Tour and the Great British Pub Tour.

Both have already earned five-star reviews and been hailed as Auckland’s best new tours, blending nostalgia with Kiwi personality in a way no ordinary sightseeing bus could ever manage.

The Double Decker Discovery – A City Seen from Above

Auckland has its fair share of tours, but none offer the same wow factor as climbing the open staircase and taking a seat on Dorothy’s upper deck.

The Route

The Double Decker Discovery Tour begins right in the heart of the CBD, steps away from Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf, where cruise ships dock and locals stroll the harbour edge. From there, the tour loops through Auckland’s most photogenic districts:

  • Viaduct Harbour – where superyachts and waterfront cafés sparkle under the sun.

  • Sky Tower – the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, towering above the skyline.

  • Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Albert Park – leafy culture in the city centre.

  • Parnell Village – boutique shops, galleries, and heritage homes draped in bougainvillea.

  • Mission Bay – Auckland’s seaside playground with views across to Rangitoto Island.

  • Ponsonby Road – trendy cafés, vintage stores, and nightlife energy.

  • Harbour Bridge – the crown jewel of the tour, offering sweeping panoramas of the Waitematā Harbour and the city skyline.

It’s an itinerary designed to capture everything that makes Auckland tick — from urban sophistication to coastal beauty — all in one relaxed loop.

The Experience

There’s no rushing, no “hop-off confusion.” Instead, Vintage Views’ motto says it all: “Hop On Hop Off… Without the Off.”
You sit back, breathe the sea air, and watch the city unfold from your vantage point above the traffic.

Live guides share stories that go far beyond the tourist script — tales of Auckland’s volcanic origins, Māori legends, wartime history, art, and architecture. It’s history made human, delivered with warmth, humour, and genuine Kiwi pride.

Every corner brings something to photograph, from Sky Tower’s glinting spire to the blue sweep of the Hauraki Gulf. You’ll pass locals on bikes, kids at the park, and sunset diners on Ponsonby Road — real Auckland life, seen from the best seat in the city.

The Great British Pub Tour – History, Ale & Laughter on Tap

When evening falls, Dorothy shifts gears. The lights glow, the laughter rises, and the Great British Pub Tour begins.

This three-hour social adventure celebrates the shared spirit of British and Kiwi pub culture — camaraderie, storytelling, and good beer. With Dorothy as your moving lounge, you’ll visit a curated lineup of historic and character-filled taverns:

  • Galbraith’s Ale House – an Edwardian beauty serving house-brewed pints.

  • The Brit – a modern twist on the traditional English pub, nestled in Britomart.

  • The Northcote Tavern – a true institution overlooking the harbour, steeped in local legend.

Guests enjoy three drinks, delicious pub fare, and commentary en route — a witty mix of local history, architecture, and pub trivia. It’s part sightseeing, part social night out, and 100 percent fun.

The tour has quickly become a hit with young professionals, couples, and groups of friends looking for something authentic — a night out that’s both cultural and relaxed, with plenty of photo moments and even more personality.

Why Auckland Fell in Love with a London Bus

Vintage Views has captured hearts because it blends three things Aucklanders adore: heritage, creativity, and community.

While most city tours rely on modern coaches or hop-on-hop-off services, Dorothy brings back the magic of travel. Her open deck is pure joy — fresh air, laughter, and nostalgia all at once. You’re not just moving through the city; you’re part of a living story rolling through its streets.

It’s also 100 percent local. Vintage Views is run by the same family behind Kiwi Coaches, a long-trusted name in New Zealand transport. The operation is safe, professional, and run by people who genuinely care about the visitor experience. That local touch makes every difference — from how the guides greet you to how carefully the route is planned around Auckland’s quirks and weather.

A Tour for Everyone

One of the biggest reasons these tours have gone five-star? They appeal to everyone.

  • Cruise passengers love how the Double Decker Discovery fits perfectly between arrival and departure times.

  • Locals rediscover their own city from an entirely new angle.

  • Couples find the Pub Tour an unforgettable date night.

  • Corporate groups book private charters for team bonding with a twist.

  • Weddings and celebrations use Dorothy for photos and guest transport, because nothing says “arrive in style” quite like a classic red double-decker.

The blend of nostalgia, storytelling, and effortless fun has made Vintage Views one of the most photographed and reviewed experiences in Auckland, regularly trending on social media and travel forums.

Beyond the City: The Perfect Pairing with Kiwi Coaches

Vintage Views doesn’t stand alone — it’s part of the wider Kiwi Coaches network, which means visitors can easily pair a double-decker tour with a day trip by coach to New Zealand’s top destinations:

  • Hobbiton Movie Set

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves

  • Rotorua Geothermal Valley

  • Bay of Islands and historic Russell

  • Coromandel Peninsula beaches

Together, Kiwi Coaches and Vintage Views create a seamless tourism ecosystem — classic style in the city, modern comfort on the road.

What People Are Saying

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An unforgettable day — easily the best tour in Auckland. The views from the top deck were unreal!”
— Jess R., Wellington

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Such a fun night! Great beer, great company, and the coolest bus I’ve ever been on.”
— Tom H., Devonport

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Our cruise stop was short, and this tour made it perfect. So easy, so friendly, and so very Kiwi.”
— Maria L., Gold Coast

Booking, Tips & When to Go

  • Tours run daily for the Double Decker Discovery (morning and midday departures).

  • Pub Tours operate select evenings and fill fast — advance booking is highly recommended.

  • Pickup is from Customs Street East, near the harbour and main hotels.

  • Bring a camera, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.

Bookings are available directly through vintageviews.co.nz or through select hotel and cruise partners.

The Verdict – Why It’s a Must-Do

Vintage Views isn’t just another tour. It’s a celebration of Auckland — its people, its skyline, and its stories — wrapped in the timeless charm of a London double-decker. It connects generations, creates conversation, and makes every guest feel part of something special.

So whether you’re a visitor, a local, or just someone looking for a different kind of day out, Hop On, Hop Off… Without the Off, and rediscover why Auckland is one of the most beautiful cities in the world — best seen from the top deck of Dorothy.

Book your seat today at vintageviews.co.nz and join the red-bus revolution.

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