From London to Auckland — The Journey of the Routemaster Bus

 

Introduction
Few vehicles are as instantly recognisable as the red London Routemaster. For decades, these buses defined the streets of London. Today, only a handful remain in operation worldwide. One of them now calls Auckland home, thanks to Vintage Views.

The History of the Routemaster
Launched in 1956, the Routemaster was revolutionary — lightweight aluminium construction, iconic front grille, and the open rear platform that made it easy to hop on and off. They became a symbol of London life, immortalised in films, photographs, and postcards.

The Global Journey
As London modernised its fleet, Routemasters were retired. Many were scrapped, but some were exported to other countries. They became collectors’ items, museum pieces, and even café conversions.

Arrival in New Zealand
New Zealand received a handful of Routemasters, some of which were used for tourism. Vintage Views’ Routemaster underwent extensive restoration to bring it back to its former glory — not just as a bus, but as an experience.

What Makes It Special

• Authentic 1960s design.

• Open upper deck windows for views.

• Unique atmosphere of nostalgia.

Why Ride It in Auckland
The Routemaster isn’t just transport — it’s theatre on wheels. It’s a way to combine London heritage with New Zealand’s biggest city.

Conclusion
From the streets of London to the boulevards of Auckland, the Routemaster’s journey is a story of heritage, preservation, and reinvention. Today, thanks to Vintage Views, you can be part of that story.

See more at www.vintageviews.co.nz/about