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.
Auckland Explorer Bus at city stop with passengers boarding for hop-on-hop-off tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus on city tour, passing Sky Tower and cityscape.
Auckland Explorer Bus on route, passing Sky Tower and cityscape on a sunny day.
Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background, 1-Day or 2-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off City Tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus at city stop with passengers boarding for hop-on-hop-off tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background.
Tourists enjoying Auckland Explorer Bus tour, hopping on and off at various city landmarks
Auckland Explorer Bus at city stop with passengers boarding for hop-on-hop-off tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background.
Auckland Explorer Bus at city stop with passengers boarding for hop-on-hop-off tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus on city tour, passing Sky Tower and cityscape.
Auckland Explorer Bus on route, passing Sky Tower and cityscape on a sunny day.
Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background, 1-Day or 2-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off City Tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus at city stop with passengers boarding for hop-on-hop-off tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background.
Tourists enjoying Auckland Explorer Bus tour, hopping on and off at various city landmarks
Auckland Explorer Bus at city stop with passengers boarding for hop-on-hop-off tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background.
Auckland Explorer Bus at city stop with passengers boarding for hop-on-hop-off tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus on city tour, passing Sky Tower and cityscape.
Auckland Explorer Bus on route, passing Sky Tower and cityscape on a sunny day.
Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background, 1-Day or 2-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off City Tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus at city stop with passengers boarding for hop-on-hop-off tour.
Auckland Explorer Bus at Viaduct Harbour with city skyline in background.
Tourists enjoying Auckland Explorer Bus tour, hopping on and off at various city landmarks
Auckland Explorer Bus at city stop with passengers boarding for hop-on-hop-off tour.
4.1(370)

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

from
NZ$65
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
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
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

Downtown Auckland

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Auckland Ferry Terminal
9 min walk
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Britomart
3 min walk

2

Sky City

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Sky Tower
3 min walk
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St Patrick's Cathedral
2 min walk

3

Art Gallery & Queen Street

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Auckland Art Gallery
5 min walk
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Civic Theatre
8 min walk

4

Newmarket

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Westfield Newmarket
1 min walk
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Highwic House
4 min walk

5

Auckland Museum

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Auckland War Memorial Museum
3 min walk
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Auckland Domain
3 min walk

6

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Holy Trinity Cathedral
1 min walk
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Kinder House
1 min walk

7

Parnell Village

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Parnell Village
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La Cigale French Market
3 min walk

8

Takaparawhau, Bastion Point Lookout

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Bastion Point Lookout
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Michael Joseph Savage Memorial

9

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
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Okahu Bay
1 min walk

1

Auckland Museum

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Auckland War Memorial Museum
3 min walk
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Auckland Domain
3 min walk

2

Wintergardens

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Wintergardens
4 min walk
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Duck Pond
2 min walk

3

Mt Eden/Maungawhau

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Mt Eden Summit
2 min walk
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Mt Eden Village
3 min walk

4

Eden Park/Kingsland

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Eden Park
3 min walk
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Nixon Park
1 min walk

5

Auckland Zoo

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Auckland Zoo
passby-image
Meola Reef
6 min walk

6

MOTAT

Get direction

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

passby-image
Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)
6 min walk
passby-image
Western Springs Park
1 min 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.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.1
370 ratings
163
134
42
17
14
  • Australia
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Ireland
  • Finland
  • India
  • Singapore
Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 28 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Kamaliah
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

I had a great experience and orientation tour on Auckland City with the Explorer Bus. Awesome service and excellent routing on Auckland.

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reviewer
ALAN
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

The ticketing and bus stops was staright forward. The route taken by the Bus for the Blue and Red tour's stopped at some varied places. With buses every 20 mins, it was easy to hop on and off at places of interest. Good information from drivers. I would recomend this tour as a way to get to know Auckland.

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reviewer
Amanda
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

Great way to see a bit of Auckland in a short amount of time.

review media 0
reviewer
Viktoriia
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

I liked the route that goes across all interesting and picturesque places in Auckland, comfortable bus providing access to amazing views, audio guide telling interesting things about history and places. And of course an opportunity to hop on and off!)

reviewer
Kim
Apr 2025Verified booking
3/5

The tour changed from red to blue tour at a stop, BUT there was no indication that was going to happen. No indication from the bus driver or announcement. Most people on the bus were annoyed.

reviewer
DeaDotta
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Buses were great, did have covered seating on top level, which was needed since it rained a lot while we were there. Narration was interesting and easy to understand. Appreciated not having to use 'ear buds'. We appreciated that we could do both the red line and the blue line without having to get off and change buses. The first day, when it was raining, we just stayed on board and figured out which stops we wanted to go back to (had 2 day tickets!) This was our main way of getting around Auckland and it worked out well for us.

reviewer
Allison
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

Easy to do and I liked that the bus changed to and from red and blue tour at the junction point. This saved getting of there if you didn't want to. I wasn't so impressdc with the end time. This meant I had to leave the mueseum an hour before it closed so I had time to get back to the centre, surely you could extend the service an hour so visitors could remain at difreent attractions until they closed?

reviewer
Peter
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

Buses run frequently so didn't have to worry about getting back to the shop place that was on the route were interesting especially the war museum

reviewer
Katherine
Mar 2025Verified booking
3/5

The tour was fine, a good way to see varied parts of Auckland. What we didn't like was that there was not one downtown departure point for each tour; it was annoying to have to redo part of the tour of one colour in order to get back to the starting place of the other tour.

reviewer
michael
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Loved the flexibility ! Loved seeing the entire city of Sydney Loved the narrated tour Loved city on top of the open bus where you could see & hear & feel the city Loved the economical cost My package also had the hop on ferry and the Sydney eye included

reviewer
Steven
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Ease of booking online and securing tickets at any stop. The stops all had interesting sights to be seen and experienced.

reviewer
Patricia
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Interesting commentary and helpful team.

reviewer
Gary
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Great to take the same bus on both red and blue routes.

reviewer
Janice
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

Great narrative--easy to hear and well-coordinated with the stops.

reviewer
Rollie
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Not having to wait long for the next bus!!

reviewer
Sarah
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Clear audio through the headphones! Some other companies they need to update this. Great choice of stops etc.

reviewer
Ana
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

it went to highly significanta nd distant points... particularly the amazing zoo... glad I got on this bus!!

reviewer
Gregory
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Fabulous way to see the city sights a learn about it's history.

reviewer
John
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Got to see a lot of attractions without searching ourselves it was great

reviewer
Michael
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

Transportation around the city

reviewer
Karen
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Easy online ticketing. Nice to get commentary around the route and to get off to explore as wanted.

reviewer
KATRINA
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

The ease to get around The lady bus driver was lovely

reviewer
Sally
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

We enjoyed the tour around area and hop on hop off convenience.

reviewer
Rosalie
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

The Explorer bus easy to access. Just need more covered bus shelters.

reviewer
Tim
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

Buses were great with excellent drivers. Schedule not always adhered to but never that far off.

Waiheke Island vineyard view with hop-on hop-off bus in Auckland, New Zealand.
Matiatia Bay, Waiheke Island, seen from a departing ferry with surrounding lush hills.
Waiheke Island ferry docked with passengers boarding in Auckland, New Zealand.
Waiheke Island ferry approaching Onetangi Beach with hop-on hop-off explorer bus in view.
Waiheke Island ferry approaching Church Bay in Hauraki Gulf with scenic coastline in view.
Waiheke Island vineyard view with Mudbrick Vineyard in Auckland.
Tour group taking a selfie on Waiheke Island with scenic coastline in the background.
Waiheke Island hop-on hop-off bus near vineyards and scenic coastline.
Waiheke Island hop on hop off tour bus near vineyards and scenic coastline, Auckland, New Zealand.
Waiheke Island ferry approaching dock with passengers onboard, Auckland, New Zealand.
Waiheke Island vineyard view with hop-on hop-off bus in Auckland, New Zealand.
Matiatia Bay, Waiheke Island, seen from a departing ferry with surrounding lush hills.
Waiheke Island ferry docked with passengers boarding in Auckland, New Zealand.
Waiheke Island ferry approaching Onetangi Beach with hop-on hop-off explorer bus in view.
Waiheke Island ferry approaching Church Bay in Hauraki Gulf with scenic coastline in view.
Waiheke Island vineyard view with Mudbrick Vineyard in Auckland.
Tour group taking a selfie on Waiheke Island with scenic coastline in the background.
Waiheke Island hop-on hop-off bus near vineyards and scenic coastline.
Waiheke Island hop on hop off tour bus near vineyards and scenic coastline, Auckland, New Zealand.
Waiheke Island ferry approaching dock with passengers onboard, Auckland, New Zealand.
Waiheke Island vineyard view with hop-on hop-off bus in Auckland, New Zealand.
Matiatia Bay, Waiheke Island, seen from a departing ferry with surrounding lush hills.
Waiheke Island ferry docked with passengers boarding in Auckland, New Zealand.
Waiheke Island ferry approaching Onetangi Beach with hop-on hop-off explorer bus in view.
Waiheke Island ferry approaching Church Bay in Hauraki Gulf with scenic coastline in view.
Waiheke Island vineyard view with Mudbrick Vineyard in Auckland.
Tour group taking a selfie on Waiheke Island with scenic coastline in the background.
Waiheke Island hop-on hop-off bus near vineyards and scenic coastline.
Waiheke Island hop on hop off tour bus near vineyards and scenic coastline, Auckland, New Zealand.
Waiheke Island ferry approaching dock with passengers onboard, Auckland, New Zealand.
4.5(309)

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

from
NZ$65
Free cancellation

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

Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Transfers included
Routes
TOTAL DURATION80 minutes
FREQUENCYEvery 30 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

2

Mudbrick Vineyard

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Te Rere
238 min walk

3

Cable Bay Vineyard and Allpress Olive Groves

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Piritahi Marae
5 min walk

4

Waiheke Community Art Gallery

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Korora Beach Reserve
2 min walk

5

Oneroa Village

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Fishermans Rock
6 min walk

6

Goldie and Kennedy Point Vineyards

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Mermaid Marine
6 min walk

7

Ostend Village

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Te Toki Reserve
3 min walk

8

Wild Estate, Stonyridge, Te Motu and Soho Family Vineyards

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Waiheke Golf Club
3 min walk

9

Postage Stamp Wines and The Heke Kitchen, Brewery and Distillery

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

EcoZip Adventures
5 min walk

10

Onetangi Beach - Charlie's, Three Seven Two

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Veliky Hazchem Beach
5 min walk

11

Waiheke Museum

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Rangihoua Creek
2 min walk

12

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

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

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Anzac Bay
3 min walk

13

Batch Winery and Waiheke Wings

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

passby-image
Cascades Waterfall
4 min walk

14

Ostend Village

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

SeaLink - Kennedy Point Ferry Terminal
5 min walk

15

Goldie and Kennedy Point Vineyards

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Waiheke Honey Company
7 min walk

16

Oneroa Village

Get direction

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Te Ara Hura Trail
6 min 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.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
309 ratings
156
149
0
1
3
  • United Kingdom
  • Australia
  • Germany
  • South Africa
  • Canada
  • Vietnam
  • United States
Guests from United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and over 8 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Julie
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

The convenience of being able to choose what we wanted to do during our day on Waiheke Island. It was very ease to get on and off at each stop. Also knowing that there would be a bus passed every 20 minutes made our day easy. All the drivers and guides were extremely friendly and informative. You could tell that they enjoyed their job.

reviewer
Fei
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

In general the HOHO service is quite comfortable and convenient, plus staff was accomodating and friendly! The only drawback is the issue that it took us a while to collect our tickets at ferry teminal in Central Auckland for the staff didn't find the reservation in the system.

reviewer
Markus
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Great experiance and the best way to Discovery the beautiful Waiheke 👍

reviewer
Lauralee
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

ease to book. ease to get around on the island. many drop off sites.

reviewer
Mark
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Nicola and Tanya - and all the other crews 😁

reviewer
Danica
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Helen
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Daleen
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Simon
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Robin
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Maura
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Nathan
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
4/5

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Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

Millions love heading out with us

ALAN GAMMON
GB

Alan

United Kingdom
Mar, 2025
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+ 3 more

The ticketing and bus stops was staright forward. The route taken by the Bus for the Blue and Red tour's stopped at some varied places. With buses every 20 mins, it was easy to hop on and off at places of interest. Good information from drivers. I would recomend this tour as a way to get to know Auckland.
Explorer Bus: Auckland Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Helen Scholey
GB

Helen

United Kingdom
Jan, 2025
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Easy to book tickets online - rep at first stop then generated copy for rest of trip. Easy to follow route map and plenty of opportunities to hop on & off. Informative commentary at all access points and great view from top deck - both open top & conventional buses. All ticket reps & drivers super friendly & helpful - would ride again!!
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
Sep, 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
Julie Collins
AU

Julie

Australia
Apr, 2025
The convenience of being able to choose what we wanted to do during our day on Waiheke Island. It was very ease to get on and off at each stop. Also knowing that there would be a bus passed every 20 minutes made our day easy. All the drivers and guides were extremely friendly and informative. You could tell that they enjoyed their job.
Western Explorer: Waiheke Island Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Ferry Transfers

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.