Family-Friendly Auckland: Why Kids Love the Routemaster Bus

 

Travelling as a family means finding experiences that everyone can enjoy — parents, kids, and sometimes even grandparents. In Auckland, there are plenty of parks, playgrounds, and museums, but few activities deliver the mix of fun, nostalgia, and sightseeing that the Double-Decker Discovery Tour does.

Here’s why our lovingly restored 1960s Routemaster bus has quickly become one of Auckland’s best family-friendly attractions.

A Bus Ride Like No Other

Most kids have been on a school bus. Some may have taken public transport. But stepping onto a bright red vintage double-decker bus is something completely different.

The Routemaster isn’t just a way to get from A to B. It’s a moving adventure. From the polished handrails to the spiral staircase leading to the top deck, every part of the bus feels special. For children, it’s like stepping into a storybook — or even a movie set.

Parents love the nostalgia too. While kids marvel at the novelty, adults get to relive the charm of old-school travel.

Why the Top Deck is Every Child’s Favourite

Ask any child what they want when boarding a double-decker: front row, top deck. It’s the seat of dreams.

From there, kids can see:

  • Cars and buses from above.

  • The sparkling harbour at Mission Bay.

  • The towering skyline of Auckland CBD.

  • The thrill of crossing the Harbour Bridge with nothing but open air and views ahead.

The perspective is something kids never forget. Many parents say it’s the highlight of their child’s Auckland trip.

The Perfect Length for Families

Parents know the struggle: too short, and kids are restless because they barely got started. Too long, and attention spans vanish.

That’s why the 90-minute Double-Decker Discovery Tour is ideal. Long enough to see all the highlights, but short enough that kids stay engaged. Add in the excitement of being on a vintage bus, and time flies.

Affordable Fun

Family activities in Auckland can add up quickly. The Routemaster tour keeps things simple and affordable:

  • 🎟️ Adults: $49

  • 🎟️ Kids: $19

For less than the cost of a family movie night with snacks, you get 90 minutes of history, sightseeing, and memories — plus plenty of photo opportunities.

Safety and Comfort First

Parents can relax knowing the bus is safe, fully restored, and operated by a professional Kiwi-owned company. Pickup is central CBD, meaning no complex transport planning or long treks with little legs.

Onboard, seating is comfortable, and the bus has been carefully brought up to modern safety standards. Families can simply sit back, enjoy the ride, and focus on the fun.

What Families See on the Tour

The Double-Decker Discovery route has something for everyone in the family:

  • 🌊 Mission Bay: Perfect for beach-loving kids.

  • πŸ› Parnell: A chance for parents to enjoy leafy streets and historic spots.

  • πŸŒ‰ Harbour Bridge: The thrill ride moment — kids love the views and height.

  • 🎨 Ponsonby & K Road: Colourful, creative neighbourhoods that spark curiosity.

  • πŸ™ CBD highlights: Big buildings, bustling streets, and lots to point out.

Every stop offers opportunities for kids to learn, parents to enjoy, and families to share moments together.

Bonus: Extend the Day After the Tour

One of the best things about the tour is that it finishes right back in the CBD — the perfect launchpad for more family fun. After your ride, you can:

  • Grab ice cream at the waterfront.

  • Visit Auckland Museum or the Domain.

  • Take a short ferry to Devonport.

  • Or simply head to a nearby playground.

The tour fits easily into a half-day or full-day family plan.

Photo Memories for the Scrapbook

Parents know that family trips are about memories as much as experiences. And nothing makes for better photos than a vintage double-decker bus.

From silly selfies on the top deck to posed shots in front of the Routemaster, families come away with a whole album of special moments. Many parents even use the photos for school projects or share them with relatives abroad.

Reviews from Parents and Kids

Here’s what families have been saying about the Double-Decker Discovery:

  • “Our kids were buzzing the whole ride. They loved being up top!”

  • “Affordable, fun, and something totally different for Auckland.”

  • “Great for kids, and we enjoyed it just as much as they did.”

Practical Details for Families

  • 🎟️ Tickets: $49 Adults, $19 Kids

  • ⏱ Duration: 90 minutes

  • πŸ“ Pickup: Central Auckland CBD

  • 🚍 Departures: 4 times daily

Easy booking, simple logistics, maximum fun.

Why This is One of Auckland’s Best Family Activities

Between the nostalgia, the views, the affordable pricing, and the kid-friendly format, the Double-Decker Discovery Tour ticks every family travel box.

For parents, it’s stress-free sightseeing. For kids, it’s a thrilling adventure. And for families, it’s 90 minutes of shared joy that becomes a highlight of the trip.

πŸ‘‰ Ready to give your family an Auckland memory they’ll never forget?
Book your seats today at VintageViews.co.nz/tours

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