Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Auckland, New Zealand
+4
- 1 day (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
See Auckland’s major sights and attractions with a hop-on hop-off city bus tour featuring informative audio commentary. Perfect for first-time visitors, it’s a great way to explore the city. The bus tour takes about an hour to complete. Enjoy the flexibility of a 1-day or 2-day pass, hop off at key points including Parnell Village, the Auckland Museum, or the Sky Tower, and stay connected with Wi-Fi on board.
- Create your own sightseeing itinerary to suit your schedule
- Stay on the bus for the loop or hop off to visit Auckland attractions
- Be as active or relaxed as you like by staying on board or getting off
- Ideal for first-time visitors to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city
What's Included
- Hop-on hop-off tour
- Informative English commentary
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Enjoy onboard multilingual audio commentary in Mandarin, Spanish, German, and Japanese via an app
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Start time.9:00 am
Departure Point
- You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
Ticket Redemption Points
Itinerary
Start your hop-on hop-off bus tour in Downtown Auckland. You can create your own sightseeing itinerary with a flexible ticket, valid for one or two days. Listen to interesting audio commentary during the entire loop. Buses depart regularly throughout the day on a seasonal schedule.
If you like, hop on and off throughout the day to explore Auckland on your own or visit top attractions. Discover New Zealand history at the Auckland Museum, meet King and Gentoo penguins at Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium, and soak up the city skyline from the Sky Tower, to name a few.
If you like, hop on and off throughout the day to explore Auckland on your own or visit top attractions. Discover New Zealand history at the Auckland Museum, meet King and Gentoo penguins at Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium, and soak up the city skyline from the Sky Tower, to name a few.
Red Tour
10 Stops
6 Points of Interest
Duration: 1 day
Operating Schedule: The first bus departs at 9:00 am and the last bus departs at 4.00 pm - departing each stop every 30min (*timings may vary due to traffic conditions)
1
Stop 1/23 Customs Street East
2
SkyCity Auckland
3
Auckland Art Gallery
4
359 Broadway
5
Auckland Museum
6
Holy Trinity Cathedral
7
279 Parnell Road
8
12 Tamaki Drive
9
Hapimana Street
10
23 Tamaki Drive
Points of interest passed by on this route
Sky Tower
Auckland Museum
Hauraki Gulf
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Bastion Point
Princes Wharf
Free Blue Loop - October to April
6 Stops
1 Point of Interest
Duration: 1 day
Operating Schedule: The first bus departs at 9:30 am and the last bus departs at 3:30 pm - departing each stop every 30min (*timings may vary due to traffic conditions)
1
Auckland War Memorial Museum
2
Domain Wintergardens
3
Mount Eden
4
Eden Park
5
Auckland Zoo
6
MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology
Points of interest passed by on this route
Eden Park
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Please note, some days when cruise ships are in port, we can be extremely busy. Additional coaches are used to help with the crowds, however, wait times may still increase.
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.0
based on 1,272 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Great way to see the city and get to other attractions.
Check carefully where to catch bus, as signage is small.
This hop on hop off bus is a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city and see some sights. The bus narration tells you about the areas and builds you are passing and gives some history and other information about them. It is also a great way to get to some sights you want to explore without walking the whole way there.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Kia Ora Jeffrey,
Thank you for your review! We're so pleased to hear that you enjoyed using the Auckland Explorer Bus and found it a great way to get familiar with Auckland. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope you had a wonderful time exploring Auckland!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Great excursion with a very knowledgeable guide. He was extremely polite. The walk to the waterfalls could be tricky with some of the steps and he made sure my wife had no issues
Great bus and good information from recorded tour. Weather was quite wet but not tor fault. We road full red line then got off to do Museum and back on to cruise ship.beast to find stops and easy access to cruise pier. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and found the commentary informative, and it's also great to hear you found the stops easy to locate. Thank you for your recommendation!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Not all stops were open but we didn’t know this at booking, only when we boarded the bus. The commentary was ok but have had more interesting hop on hop off experiences in other cities. Still a good way to see a part of the city quickly and easily.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Kia Ora David,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're disappointed to hear about your experience and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss it with you further. If you'd be willing, please contact info@explorerbus.co.nz with your booking details so that we can look into this further.
Many Thanks,
The Explorer Bus Team
Just avoid this at all costs! The Hop On Hop Off buses aren’t clearly marked. We searched for them a couple of hours and didn’t see any buses. When I asked for a refund, it was denied. You’re welcome for the free money.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Hi John,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're sorry to hear about your experience with us and would appreciate the opportunity to look into this further and provide any clarification. If you're willing, please email info@explorerbus.co.nz with your booking details so we can investigate this for you.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
We enjoyed traveling around the city with hop on hope off bus. The Bus was very convenient for us. We recommend this for first time travelers to Auckland.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Kia Ora Vivi_O,
Thank you for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear that you found the Auckland Explorer Bus to be a convenient way to discover the many charms of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). We really appreciate your recommendation and thank you for choosing to travel with us!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Nice ride around the beautiful city and water. Walk at your own pace and just catch the bus afterwards.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review! It’s great to hear that you enjoyed exploring the city sights at your own pace, and we’re so pleased this was a highlight for you. Thank you for joining us on board!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Awesome service, very helpful and supportive. We lived every bit of this trip. I will advised more people you use this service.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! It’s fantastic to hear that you enjoyed your time with us on the Auckland Explorer Bus, and we really appreciate your recommendations!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Enjoy god and really like it and driver very noce and polite and really worth it and want to explore more
Very friendly and helpful. On time at stops! Drivers were focused and friendly. Lots to see at all the stops.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora Lance,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We’re so pleased to hear that our drivers and ground staff contributed to such a positive experience for you. We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us and hope to welcome you onboard again in the future.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Always a great way to see a city and learn its history. Unfortunately it was raining that day and the bus was cold and wet- not their fault. We were able to do the combined blue and red.
From downtown stops are not clearly marked. One stop near the tower had a sign that this bus stop is closed so we walked a half a mile to another stop. Streets are not easy to locate on maps. Bus only has English recording and is on a bus speaker. In the back you can not hear the speaker. Some buses were warm on a fall day. One other bus was cold. Not really much to see outside of downtown but still was somewhat enjoyable.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia Ora Brian,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet expectations. We’d really appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your experience and better understand the issues you encountered, so we can address any concerns, if you'd be willing to reach out to info@explorerbus.co.nz with details of your booking.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Just what we were looking for. Broad exposure to the city of Auckland, before we explored some areas of interest in depth. It was great being able to get off at a museum we wanted to visit and then catch a later bus. Totally worth it for us.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your time onboard and exploring at the stops. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Bus was very clean and comfortable! Great driver, and narration was by speaker (no ear buds required)!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Paul_H,
Thank you for your kind review! We’re pleased to hear you found the buses clean and comfortable and we really appreciate you choosing to travel with us.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Staff were very helpful! Buses came on time! Learned a lot about Auckland. Took us to all the sites we wanted to see. The climb up Mount Eden was worth the stop!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Jean_G,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re glad to hear our ground staff made a positive impression and that you found the bus services punctual. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline
Great way to see the island and understand the history behind it. We had an enjoyable time and made a lot of stops and coupled this bus ride with E bikes. and ventured out on our own. Very well worth it and had a fun and beautiful day..👍😎👍
Passes by various spots of interest. Good value for the money. We stopped at Parnell Village and did some shopping.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Glen_W,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you found the Auckland Explorer Bus to be great value for money, and we hope you picked up some great finds in Parnell. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Sunday is a good day: less crowded and easy traffic.
Ticketing thru Viator is a breeze and check-in very simple.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora Larry_S,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad you found the booking redemption process smooth and straightforward. We really appreciate you joining us on board!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Check in to get tickets was quick and easy. Narration on the bus interesting. Good flexibility of things to see. Good intro to Auckland abd great way to go see Mount Eden
You get a very thorough idea of Auckland, covering a very large part of the city with lots of points of interest where you can get down and then get back on the bus.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring Auckland’s top attractions with us. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
What a perfect way to see the city, with great commentary! We definitely recommend this to learn and discover.
AWFUL CUSTOMER SERVICE! Became sick after traveling across the globe, and they took zero initiative to accommodate us - seeing that we couldn’t use the passes due to being ill. STAY CLEAR OF GIVING THEM YOUR MONEY!!!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re truly sorry to hear that you became unwell during your trip and hope you are beginning to feel better. Travel insurance is important in situations like this, as it can help cover unexpected events that impact your plans. We hear how frustrating this must have been and appreciate your feedback. Wishing you safe travels ahead!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Great way to see all the sights of Auckland. Something for everyone to see. Commentry is very interesting.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora Gail_S,
Thanks so much for your lovely review! We’re glad to hear you felt there was something for everyone and hope you learned a few new things during your time with us.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Great hop on/off tour to cover the main sights of Auckland and to orient yourself to the city (CBD) and close surroundings.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! We hope you’re feeling well oriented around Auckland after your time with us onboard.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Good way to get a view of the city. The commentary was enjoyable. The bus was never to full to get on at any stops we made. We really enjoyed the Wintergardens, Mt Eden and the zoo.
Fun way to see Auckland! We hopped off at a few stops along the way and really enjoyed passing by the others. We enjoyed the outer tour stops the most, Mt Eden, Wintergardens, Kingsland, and Auckland Zoo. We wish we would have had time to see MOTAT as well. We left at 9am and spent the whole day until 4pm. And we only got off at 4 stops so choose wisely! The commentary was wonderful and helped us learn about the city.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora Ryan,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review! We’re so glad you had a great time with us and hope you picked up a few new facts along the way. Thanks again for joining us onboard!
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
We always enjoy the Hop on Hop off in most cities. It is a very good way to get around and you usually get picked up between 20 and 30 minutes at each stop. Auckland worked really well in a timely manner.
Good overview of Auckland. The audio was not good…lot of static. The tour covered the most important sites to visit.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora sera_f,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re pleased you enjoyed getting an overview of Auckland on the Auckland Explorer Bus. However, we’re sorry to hear about your experience with the onboard commentary and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further. If you’re willing, please contact us at info@explorerbus.co.nz with your booking details.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
Study up on Auckland history to make it worthwhile. Got off one time to change drivers bc he couldn’t speak English. Very frustrating. No merchants downtown take Amex !! Take your visa or Mastercard. Fortunately there were good samaritans who bailed me out
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your experience further. If you’re willing, please contact info@explorerbus.co.nz with the details of your booking.
Many Thanks,
Madeline and the Explorer Bus Team
From
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$33.70
per personWas $42.13
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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