Auckland Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

All top attractions covered
All top attractions covered
Regular Schedule. Unlimited rides
Regular Schedule. Unlimited rides
Last minute availability. Instant confirmation.
Last minute availability. Instant confirmation.
























Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background.
Couple exiting Auckland Explorer Bus on hop-on-hop-off city tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus passengers view Sky Tower through glass roof.
Auckland Explorer Bus staff assisting tourists with city tour brochures.
Couple observing penguins at an aquarium on Auckland Explorer Bus tour.
Passengers on Auckland Explorer Bus viewing city street.
Auckland Explorer Bus with Sky Tower in the background on a city tour.
Couple taking selfie with Māori carvings at Auckland museum on hop-on-hop-off tour.
Person holding a phone displaying Auckland Explorer Bus hop-on-hop-off tour information.
Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background.
Couple exiting Auckland Explorer Bus on hop-on-hop-off city tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus passengers view Sky Tower through glass roof.
Auckland Explorer Bus staff assisting tourists with city tour brochures.
Couple observing penguins at an aquarium on Auckland Explorer Bus tour.
Passengers on Auckland Explorer Bus viewing city street.
Auckland Explorer Bus with Sky Tower in the background on a city tour.
Couple taking selfie with Māori carvings at Auckland museum on hop-on-hop-off tour.
Person holding a phone displaying Auckland Explorer Bus hop-on-hop-off tour information.
Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background.
Couple exiting Auckland Explorer Bus on hop-on-hop-off city tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus passengers view Sky Tower through glass roof.
Auckland Explorer Bus staff assisting tourists with city tour brochures.
Couple observing penguins at an aquarium on Auckland Explorer Bus tour.
Passengers on Auckland Explorer Bus viewing city street.
Auckland Explorer Bus with Sky Tower in the background on a city tour.
Couple taking selfie with Māori carvings at Auckland museum on hop-on-hop-off tour.
Person holding a phone displaying Auckland Explorer Bus hop-on-hop-off tour information.
4.1(386)

Explorer Bus: Auckland Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

from
NZ$65
Flexible duration
Routes
TOTAL DURATION70 minutes
FREQUENCY30 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
FIRST DEPARTUREDowntown Auckland at 9:00 AM
LAST DEPARTUREDowntown Auckland at 4:00 PM
Timeline
Map

1. Downtown Auckland

Get direction
2 attractions
Auckland Ferry Terminal

Auckland Ferry Terminal

9 minutes walk
Britomart

Britomart

3 minutes walk

2. Sky City

Get direction
2 attractions
Sky Tower

Sky Tower

3 minutes walk
St Patrick's Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral

2 minutes walk

3. Art Gallery & Queen Street

Get direction
2 attractions
Auckland Art Gallery

Auckland Art Gallery

5 minutes walk
Civic Theatre

Civic Theatre

8 minutes walk

4. Newmarket

Get direction
2 attractions
Westfield Newmarket

Westfield Newmarket

1 minute walk
Highwic House

Highwic House

4 minutes walk

5. Auckland Museum

Get direction
2 attractions
Auckland War Memorial Museum

Auckland War Memorial Museum

3 minutes walk
Auckland Domain

Auckland Domain

3 minutes walk

6. Holy Trinity Cathedral

Get direction
2 attractions
Holy Trinity Cathedral

Holy Trinity Cathedral

1 minute walk
Kinder House

Kinder House

1 minute walk

7. Parnell Village

Get direction
2 attractions
Parnell Village

Parnell Village

La Cigale French Market

La Cigale French Market

3 minutes walk

8. Takaparawhau, Bastion Point Lookout

Get direction
2 attractions
Bastion Point Lookout

Bastion Point Lookout

Michael Joseph Savage Memorial

Michael Joseph Savage Memorial

9. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

Get direction
2 attractions
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

Okahu Bay

Okahu Bay

1 minute walk
TOTAL DURATION50 minutes
FREQUENCY30 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
FIRST DEPARTUREAuckland Museum at 9:30 AM
LAST DEPARTUREAuckland Museum at 3:30 PM
Timeline
Map

1. Auckland Museum

Get direction
2 attractions
Auckland War Memorial Museum

Auckland War Memorial Museum

3 minutes walk
Auckland Domain

Auckland Domain

3 minutes walk

2. Wintergardens

Get direction
2 attractions
Wintergardens

Wintergardens

4 minutes walk
Duck Pond

Duck Pond

2 minutes walk

3. Mt Eden/Maungawhau

Get direction
2 attractions
Mt Eden Summit

Mt Eden Summit

2 minutes walk
Mt Eden Village

Mt Eden Village

3 minutes walk

4. Eden Park/Kingsland

Get direction
2 attractions
Eden Park

Eden Park

3 minutes walk
Nixon Park

Nixon Park

1 minute walk

5. Auckland Zoo

Get direction
2 attractions
Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo

Meola Reef

Meola Reef

6 minutes walk

6. MOTAT

Get direction
2 attractions
Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)

Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)

6 minutes walk
Western Springs Park

Western Springs Park

1 minute walk
  • Discover Auckland’s sparkling harbors and volcanic peaks with a 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off tour, the ideal way to see the city’s highlights without limits!
  • Every 30 minutes, a new bus swings by 14 prime stops around Auckland, placing top sights like the Sky Tower and Art Gallery within quick reach.
  • Touring aboard a double-decker bus with English audio commentary makes the journey between stops feel like a mini history tour!
  • Soak up views from Sky Tower’s 328m-high observation deck, explore the Art Gallery’s Maori works, and the War Memorial Museum featuring NZ’s history.
  • Discover Auckland’s sparkling harbors and volcanic peaks with a 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off tour, the ideal way to see the city’s highlights without limits!
  • Every 30 minutes, a new bus swings by 14 prime stops around Auckland, placing top sights like the Sky Tower and Art Gallery within quick reach.
  • Touring aboard a double-decker bus with English audio commentary makes the journey between stops feel like a mini history tour!
  • Soak up views from Sky Tower’s 328m-high observation deck, explore the Art Gallery’s Maori works, and the War Memorial Museum featuring NZ’s history.

Inclusions

  • 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
  • Access to Red & Blue routes
  • Audio commentary in English

Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Red Inner Tour

  • First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Downtown Auckland)
  • Last bus: 4pm from stop #1 (Downtown Auckland)
  • Frequency: Approx. every 30 mins
  • Popular stops: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell Village, Bastion Point, and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

Blue Outer Tour (Nov to Apr)

  • First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Downtown Auckland)
  • Last bus: 4pm from stop #1 (Downtown Auckland)
  • Frequency: Approx. every 30 mins
  • Popular stops: Wintergardens, Mt. Eden/Maungawhau & Eden Park/Kingsland
  • Most buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Large pieces of luggage are not allowed onboard. However, you can carry small bags like handbags and backpacks onboard the bus.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Hop-on hop-off bus touring Waiheke Island with lush greenery and a vineyard in the background.
Matiatia Bay view from ferry, Waiheke Island, with boats and lush hills.
Ferry traveling to Waiheke Island across turquoise waters with passengers on deck.
Family walking along Onetangi Beach, Waiheke Island, with lush hills in the background.
Church Bay view of Hauraki Gulf and Auckland skyline, Waiheke Island.
Outdoor seating at Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke Island, Auckland, with lavender and scenic views.
Tour group taking a selfie on the beach at Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
Hop on hop off bus passing vineyards on Waiheke Island with ocean view.
Waiheke Island hop on hop off tour bus near vineyard estate.
Ferry cruising near Waiheke Island with lush green hills and clear blue water.
Hop-on hop-off bus touring Waiheke Island with lush greenery and a vineyard in the background.
Matiatia Bay view from ferry, Waiheke Island, with boats and lush hills.
Ferry traveling to Waiheke Island across turquoise waters with passengers on deck.
Family walking along Onetangi Beach, Waiheke Island, with lush hills in the background.
Church Bay view of Hauraki Gulf and Auckland skyline, Waiheke Island.
Outdoor seating at Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke Island, Auckland, with lavender and scenic views.
Tour group taking a selfie on the beach at Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
Hop on hop off bus passing vineyards on Waiheke Island with ocean view.
Waiheke Island hop on hop off tour bus near vineyard estate.
Ferry cruising near Waiheke Island with lush green hills and clear blue water.
Hop-on hop-off bus touring Waiheke Island with lush greenery and a vineyard in the background.
Matiatia Bay view from ferry, Waiheke Island, with boats and lush hills.
Ferry traveling to Waiheke Island across turquoise waters with passengers on deck.
Family walking along Onetangi Beach, Waiheke Island, with lush hills in the background.
Church Bay view of Hauraki Gulf and Auckland skyline, Waiheke Island.
Outdoor seating at Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke Island, Auckland, with lavender and scenic views.
Tour group taking a selfie on the beach at Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
Hop on hop off bus passing vineyards on Waiheke Island with ocean view.
Waiheke Island hop on hop off tour bus near vineyard estate.
Ferry cruising near Waiheke Island with lush green hills and clear blue water.
4.5(325)

Western Explorer: Waiheke Island Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Ferry Transfers

from
NZ$94
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change

Flexible duration
Transfers included
Routes
TOTAL DURATION80 minutes
FREQUENCYEvery 60 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
FIRST DEPARTUREMatiatia Ferry Terminal at 10:00 AM
LAST DEPARTUREMatiatia Ferry Terminal at 5:30 PM
Timeline
Map

1. Matiatia Ferry Terminal

Get direction

2. Mudbrick Vineyard

Get direction
1 attraction

Te Rere

3 hours 58 minutes walk

3. Cable Bay Vineyard and Allpress Olive Groves

Get direction
1 attraction

Piritahi Marae

5 minutes walk

4. Waiheke Community Art Gallery

Get direction
1 attraction

Korora Beach Reserve

2 minutes walk

5. Oneroa Village

Get direction
1 attraction

Fishermans Rock

6 minutes walk

6. Goldie and Kennedy Point Vineyards

Get direction
1 attraction

Mermaid Marine

6 minutes walk

7. Ostend Village

Get direction
1 attraction

Te Toki Reserve

3 minutes walk

8. Wild Estate, Stonyridge, Te Motu and Soho Family Vineyards

Get direction
1 attraction

Waiheke Golf Club

3 minutes walk

9. Postage Stamp Wines and The Heke Kitchen, Brewery and Distillery

Get direction
1 attraction

EcoZip Adventures

5 minutes walk

10. Onetangi Beach - Charlie's, Three Seven Two

Get direction
1 attraction

Veliky Hazchem Beach

5 minutes walk

11. Waiheke Museum

Get direction
1 attraction

Rangihoua Creek

2 minutes walk

12. Opposite Wild Estate, Stonyridge, SohoTe, and Motu Family Vineyards

Get direction
1 attraction
Anzac Bay

Anzac Bay

3 minutes walk

13. Batch Winery and Waiheke Wings

Get direction
1 attraction
Cascades Waterfall

Cascades Waterfall

4 minutes walk

14. Ostend Village

Get direction
1 attraction

SeaLink - Kennedy Point Ferry Terminal

5 minutes walk

15. Goldie and Kennedy Point Vineyards

Get direction
1 attraction

Waiheke Honey Company

7 minutes walk

16. Oneroa Village

Get direction
1 attraction

Te Ara Hura Trail

6 minutes walk

Flexible hop-on hop-off tour with Auckland ferry transfer upgrade.

  • This hop-on-hop-off bus gives you access to the Western Explorer route with real-time tracking. Opt for a 1 or 2-day pass and upgrade to include Auckland ferry transfers.
  • This tour is perfect for families, independent travelers, and day-trippers. It lets you design your own schedule while exploring the island and stopping at the places that interest you.
  • The tour is an 80-minute loop of Waiheke’s top spots with 15 handpicked stops, including premium vineyards, boutique shops, and golden beaches.
  • From the Mudbrick Vineyard to the golden sands of Onetangi Beach, your trip will include the perfect blend of wine tasting, boutique shopping, and coastal charm.

Flexible hop-on hop-off tour with Auckland ferry transfer upgrade.

  • This hop-on-hop-off bus gives you access to the Western Explorer route with real-time tracking. Opt for a 1 or 2-day pass and upgrade to include Auckland ferry transfers.
  • This tour is perfect for families, independent travelers, and day-trippers. It lets you design your own schedule while exploring the island and stopping at the places that interest you.
  • The tour is an 80-minute loop of Waiheke’s top spots with 15 handpicked stops, including premium vineyards, boutique shops, and golden beaches.
  • From the Mudbrick Vineyard to the golden sands of Onetangi Beach, your trip will include the perfect blend of wine tasting, boutique shopping, and coastal charm.

Inclusions

  • 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off tour (based on option selected)
  • Access to the Western Explorer Route
  • Round-trip walk-up ferry transfers from Auckland (based on option selected)
  • Mobile app with live bus tracking

Exclusions

  • Entry fee to various attractions
  • Winery tastings or tours

Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Western Explorer Route
First bus: 10am from Matiatia Ferry Terminal
Last bus: 5:20pm from Matiatia Ferry Terminal
Frequency: Every 20 minutes
Popular stops: Oneroa Village, Cable Bay Vineyard, Onetangi Beach
Round-trip ferry transfer
Board your Fullers360 Waiheke Walk-up ferry from piers 11 and 12 from Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal. On the way back, ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus back to Matiatia Ferry Terminal and catch the Fuller360 Waiheke Walk-up ferry from pier 1.
Please click here for a detailed timetable.
First ferry: 6am
Last ferry: 4pm
Frequency: Every 30 minutes

  • Bring your swimsuit, towel, and walking shoes during the summer.
  • This experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, some walking trails may be difficult to access with a stroller.
  • Dogs inside pet carriers are welcome.
  • Most ferries have fully licensed cafés, Wi-Fi, power points, luggage and bike racks. All ferries are equipped with toilets.
  • Remember to thoroughly check your gear for pests before boarding, clean your footwear to remove soil and seeds, and ensure any food is in a sealed container.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

From happy customers

Rowena Duffy
AU

Rowena

Australia
août, 2025
review-image
review-image
Ash (the main tour guide we encountered) was very informative and entertaining. Was great to be able to go as fast or slow as we wanted. Mudbrick winery was a highlight - must stop destination!
Western Explorer: Waiheke Island Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Ferry Transfers
SUSAN BRAMLEY
NZ

Susan

New Zealand
juil., 2025
review-image
review-image
The convenience of not driving and the pleasure of seeing! The bus height enable expansive view. The 30 mins frequency allowed for quick visits and then back on the bus. The bus warmth as the day cooled.
Explorer Bus: Auckland Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Stephen Palmore
US

Stephen

United States
oct., 2023
Great opportunity to see a beautiful town. Only negative was when the driver yelled at us at a place where she stopped and the back door opened, which where I come from, means that it is a stop. Apparently it was not
Combo: 24/48-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Auckland + Sky Tower Tickets
Malehlogonolo Mphahlele

Malehlogonolo

nov., 2022
Had the best time using the bus to get to all the main city attractions. Bus was efficient, howeve during peak hour, around 4ish, had to wait for an hour for pick up. This was my only issue, besides this everything was superb.
Combo: 24/48-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Auckland + Sky Tower Tickets
Julie Noble
AU

Julie

Australia
sept., 2023
Good information from website and staff on the day, easy to book online, very friendly staff, buses on time within a few minutes, good information from the recording on the bus, a really easy and convenient way to get around the city, hopping on and off whenever you want to. 🙂
Combo: 24/48-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Auckland + Auckland Museum Ticket

Hop-on Hop-off tours: All you need to know

Looking for the best way to explore Auckland? Hop-on Hop-off bus tours let you discover the city’s top attractions at your own pace. With multiple stops across Auckland, you can hop off to visit must-see spots like the Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Parnell Village, and Viaduct Harbour, then hop back on whenever you're ready for more.

With open-top and unlimited access to 2 routes, this sightseeing experience is designed to be fun, convenient, and unforgettable. Live recorded commentary ensures you don’t miss out on key insights regarding Auckland’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Why choose Auckland Hop-on Hop-off bus tours

  • Auckland's diverse exploration: From the bustling CBD and waterfront to the charming Parnell Village, Auckland has a wide variety of attractions in different neighborhoods. A hop-on hop-off bus seamlessly connects them all in one route.
  • Enjoy the city’s panoramic cityscapes: Auckland is known as the City of Sails, thanks to its beautiful harbor and waterfront views. The hop-on hop-off bus allows travelers to enjoy panoramic cityscapes from open-top seats while cruising past many iconic locations.
  • Avoid navigation challenges: Like many major cities, Auckland has congested roads with limited parking spaces. With a hop-on hop-off tour, you don’t need to worry about parking, fuel, or navigation challenges across the city.
  • Ideal for short stays: Many travelers only have a day or two in Auckland before heading to other popular destinations like Rotorua, the Bay of Islands, or Queenstown. The hop-on hop-off bus allows them to maximize their time by covering multiple attractions quickly and efficiently.
  • Gain fascinating insights with pre-recorded commentary: With live pre-recorded commentary in English, travelers can learn fascinating facts about the city's Maori heritage, colonial history, and modern development. This adds a layer of engagement and storytelling to the journey, making sightseeing more immersive and meaningful.

Hop-on Hop-off buses are the perfect choice for

First-time visitors

For travelers new to Auckland, hop-on hop-off buses offer a curated, easy-to-follow route covering all major landmarks, without worrying about getting lost or missing connections.

Families

The buses are designed to accommodate groups, making it easy for friends and families of all sizes to explore together.

Solo travelers

Solo travelers will find the hop-on hop-off tour a safe, social, and efficient way to explore Auckland independently.

Photography enthusiasts

Hop-on Hop-off buses provide incredible, unobstructed views of Auckland’s skyline, waterfront, and landmarks and the flexibility to chase the best natural lighting.

Budget-conscious tourists

Combining transport and guided commentary into a single ticket, hop-on hop-off bus tours save time and money while offering an enriching travel experience.

See Auckland’s best attractions with Explorer Bus

With frequent departures and easy access to Auckland’s best sights like Sky Tower, Newmarket and the Auckland Zoo, Explorer Bus is the most convenient and enjoyable way to discover the city. Operating two interconnected sightseeing routes, namely the Red Inner Tour and Blue Outer Tour covering 15 stops, you are bound to unlock what makes Auckland one of the world’s most desirable places to live in.

Finding the perfect Hop-on Hop-off pass duration

  • 24 hours: If you’re short on time, a cruise passenger or just want a quick overview of Auckland’s highlights in a single day, the 24-hour pass is a fantastic option. It gives you a stress-free way to see all the top spots without worrying about public transport or walking extensively between attractions. With pre-recorded English commentary, maximize your sightseeing experience with a fast-paced yet efficient itinerary.
  • 48 hours: The 48-hour pass is your gateway to a more relaxed and immersive Auckland experience. With two full days to explore, you can take your time soaking up the charm of the city’s landmarks, like Parnell Village and Viaduct Harbour, or venture out to scenic spots like Mount Eden. The 48-hour is much more economical than purchasing 2 24-hour passes and enables the discovery of hidden gems.

How to book tickets

Auckland HOHO

Step 1: Choose your route

Each tour follows a unique route. Review the routes and stops and pick the tour that covers your must-see attractions.

Auckland HOHO

Step 2: Book your tickets

Purchase your Hop-on Hop-off tickets easily using a credit or debit card.

Auckland HOHO

Step 3: Check your email

Receive your ticket voucher instantly in your inbox. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder.

Auckland HOHO

Step 4: Download the operator’s app

Track the bus in real-time, plan your journey, and explore routes with an interactive map.

Auckland HOHO

Step 5: Hop-on & explore!

Head to any designated stop, redeem your mobile voucher at Stop 1 or 2, and start your adventure!

Tips to make the most of your Auckland Hop-on Hop-off tour

  • Visit Sky Tower in the early morning for clear panoramic views, and Viaduct Harbour for a waterfront dinner with sunset views.
  • Allocate at least 1.5 hours at Auckland Museum to explore its Maori and Pacific collections, then take a short stroll through the Wintergardens and Domain Park right next door.
  • Check the feeding schedule in advance at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, to not miss the penguin and shark encounters.
  • Carry a light jacket or windbreaker, as Auckland’s weather can be unpredictable, even on warmer days.
  • Get off at Downtown Auckland and combine your hop-on hop-off tour with a Waiheke Island Ferry for a full-day adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hop-on Hop-off Auckland tours

How long is the full circuit of the Auckland hop-on hop-off bus tour?

The Red Inner Tour takes 70 minutes to complete a full, non-stop loop, while the Blue Outer Tour takes about 50 minutes. Buses depart every 30 minutes.

Are the hop-on hop-off buses wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible.

Are the buses operational on public holidays?

The buses operate all round the year but are closed on Christmas.

Are there any discounts available?

Yes, discounted tickets are available for groups of 15 or more, subject to availability.

Is there luggage storage available on the bus?

Large items like suitcases cannot be accommodated on the bus, but you’re welcome to bring small carry-on items such as handbags or collapsible strollers with you.