New Zealand · HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOURS
Some days out are worth rearranging a week for. These 11 hop-on hop-off tours are those, each with its cost, its length and the detail that settles it.
Ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island, then use the Explorer Bus to reach 16 wineries, beaches, shops, galleries, restaurants, and nature stops. Guides such as Kira, Ruth, Aaron, and Chris add local commentary, while the bus tracker helps you plan each stop. Tastings, meals, and tours cost extra.
“Wonderful day spent at our own pace and not a long wait for the next bus to hop on.”
Explore Auckland by air-conditioned hop-on hop-off bus, with English commentary, WiFi, and one or two days to visit Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Mount Eden, Parnell, Bastion Point, and Kelly Tarlton’s. Stay aboard for the city loop or hop off at major sights. Seasonal schedules apply.
“Easy to redeem voucher at one of two places in the city. Great way to get around and learn about a new city.”
Ride Auckland’s Explorer Bus for one day, using the Red Inner route year round and the Blue Outer route from October to April. See the Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Mount Eden, Parnell, Bastion Point, the zoo, and more. English commentary, multilingual app audio, WiFi, clean buses, and wheelchair access are included. Attraction entry costs extra.
“Both Red and Blue lines take 1 1/2 hours total and a great way to see where everything is located.”
Use an all-day ticket on Christchurch’s restored vintage trams, boarding at 18 central-city stops. Hear live commentary as you pass Cathedral Square, the Avon River, Riverside Market, Canterbury Museum, Hagley Park, New Regent Street, and the Botanic Gardens. Stay onboard for the full loop or hop off to explore.
“The drivers were very informative about the city. We enjoyed hopping on and off with different ones, because the narrations were different. The ride went by all the major attractions.”
Ride Christchurch’s vintage trams for a full day, hearing live stories about the city’s earthquakes, rebuilding, and landmarks. Complete the 50-minute loop first, then hop off at Cathedral Junction, Riverside Market, the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, and other central stops. Trams run every 15 minutes in summer and accept boarding at all 18 stops.
“There needs to be a warning that there are 2 steep steps to board the tram and anyone with mobility issues may not be able to readily get on or off. (This may already be in the advertising, I’m not sure.) The commentary was excellent.”
Travel from central Queenstown through Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley on an air-conditioned hop-on hop-off bus. Choose wineries, breweries, gin bars, pubs, food stops, or adventure sites, with buses about every 45 minutes. Drivers such as George, Kerry, Pete, and Liana share local tips, but you must plan carefully because the route runs one way.
“Logistics were perfect, very efficient service giving you all freedom and flexibility. Good to know in advance what you want to see and discuss that with the driver/guide. He will make it work.”
Take the ferry from Auckland, then explore Waiheke Island by hop-on hop-off bus for about six hours. Your host and drivers, including Ash and Simon on some departures, share local stories while you choose among vineyards, beaches, galleries, shops, and walking trails. Return ferry tickets may be included, but confirm your booking and redeem them at the Fullers360 office before boarding.
“You have, when you hop off, an hour to wait for another bus. Sadly if you hop.off at a winery which was closed it is an hour of boredom as you are miles from anywhere and no coffee shop nearby. Make sure place is open before you get off”
Spend a full day riding between Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Gibbston Valley, choosing your own mix of wineries, breweries, food stops, and activities. Drivers such as George and Harry help with timing and suggestions, while a timetable lets you plan four to six stops without renting a car. Tastings, meals, and drinks cost extra.
“Had a fantastic day, would thoroughly recommend for a relaxing day out.”
Spend a day exploring Marlborough by scheduled coach, hopping between 26 wineries, breweries, museums, restaurants, shops, and activity centers. Start in Picton or Blenheim, use the map and timetable to plan your stops, and ask drivers such as Pete or Erin for local advice. Tastings, meals, and drinks cost extra.
“Pete our driver was informative without being overbearing, which sometimes happens. Transport pick up times were reliable. It would have been nice to know about some of the places we visited before hand,as the aviation museum was excellent, but we rushed it in 1/2 an hour,not realising our winery was only 3 minutes up the road and we arrived an hour early for lunch,which was a pity.”
From Picton, use a simple timetable to visit up to 26 Marlborough venues, including wineries, breweries, cafés, museums, activities, shops, and restaurants. You choose the stops and pace. Expert local drivers with 25 years of regional experience provide transport, while tastings and meals are booked and paid for separately.
“The initial reaction was chaos when we got to the office. Only one lady seemed to know what she was doing and the stress on her was horrible. She handled it well if not abruptly. We didn’t really know what we were supposed to be doing. Once we finally got to a bus things improved.”
From Lyttelton, spend about five hours exploring North Canterbury’s Waipara wine country by air-conditioned hop-on hop-off bus. Choose from wineries, a brewery, cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, then shape your day around the timetable. Guides such as JJ, Warren, and Pete help with local insight and keeping you on schedule. Tastings and food cost extra.
“Great trip! Our driver was patient with us when it took a while to get off our ship. He recommended and took us to amazing wineries. Very very friendly and a highlight of our trip! I would definitely recommend.”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
