Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Is the Explorer Bus on the Summer or Winter Timetable?
The Summer Timetable runs from 1 Oct 2012 until 31 March 2013. The Winter Timetable runs from 1 April 2013 until 30 Sept 2013.
Q. How do I purchase a ticket?
A - Book from our web site
B - Cash to driver (no credit card facility on the bus)
C - From our many agents around town including i-Site Visitors Centres and inside the Ferry Building.
D - You can book online on this web site or you can buy a ticket from the driver if you have cash. American and Australian dollars also accepted.
$US35 and $A35 each is accepted by the driver.
Q. Does a 2 day pass need to be consecutive days?
No, but 2nd day must be used within 30 days.
Q. What is the difference between the Summer service and the Winter service?
The Summer service starts at the Ferry Building/Queens Wharf bus stop every 30 minutes from 9am - 4pm to finish at 5pm. (9-45am from SkyCity) The Satellite Bus which does a different circuit leaving from the Auckland Museum, connects with the main Explorer Bus at 10.30, 11.30,12.30, 1.30pm, 2.30 and 3.30. (Terminating at 4-30)
The Winter service starts at the Ferry building/Queens Wharf bus stop every hour on the hour 10am - 3pm (to finish at 4pm) or from 9-45am from SkyCity. The Satellite Bus connects with the main Explorer Bus at 10.30,11.30,12.30, 1.30pm, and 2.30 (Terminates at 3-30)
Q. Is there a separate charge for the Satellite Bus?
No, the Satellite bus is included in the Auckland Explorer Bus Day Pass.
Q. How long does the tour take?
The length of the tour is up to you. The Auckland Explorer Bus can be as short as a one hour sightseeing tour or it can be all day (Finish 5pm). As the Auckland Explorer Bus is a Hop-On Hop-Off service it is totally your decision as to which attractions you would like to get off the bus and visit and how long you would like to spend there. When you are ready to move to the next attraction simply return to the bus stop and get on the next Explorer Bus as it comes around the circuit.
Q. What is a 'child' defined as?
A child is defined as anyone from the ages of 4 to under 16 years (children under 4 travel free)
Q. What defines a family for the family pass?
A family is defined as two adults and any number of children from 4 to under 16 years of age from the same immediate family.
Q. Is there a commentary on the bus?
Yes, there is a full commentary in English on the bus. For other languages: Japanese - French - Chinese - Korean - German - Spanish - Portugese. Timetables and information sheets are available from the driver.
Q. Do you operate on Sundays & Public Holidays?
Yes, the Auckland Explorer Bus operates 365 days of the year. However bear in mind if you are wanting to travel on main public holidays such as Christmas Day, New Years Day or Easter some of the attractions may be closed.
Q. We are staying in a motel/hotel, are we eligible for the complimentary pickup service?
As Auckland is a very big city in area it is impossible for us to be able to offer a pick up from motels in every area. However, if you are staying in a motel/hotel in the South Auckland or Mangere (airport) areas or Greenlane, Newmarket to City area we are happy to offer a complimentary pick up to take you into the Auckland Explorer Bus and return at the end of the day. If you do require the pick up service please ensure you phone and at the latest before 8.30am on the day you wish to use the Explorer Bus, for a reservation and pick up time.
Q. Do I need to book?
There is no need to book for the Auckland Explorer Bus, just join the circuit when you are ready.
More buses are brought onto the circuit as numbers require.
Q. Is there a Senior Citizen's discount?
A Senior Citizens rate is available for New Zealand Seniors only with pensioners card.
Q. What does the $25 Hour ticket Ride entitle you to?
The $25 One Hour ticket ride entitles you to a 1 hour sightseeing tour only (i.e. one circle on the Auckland Explorer Bus without getting off). It is specifically for people on very limited time who wish to have an overview of Auckland but do not have time to visit the attractions.
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