Naked Bus will launch an overnight sleeper service – with lie-flat bunk-style beds – between Auckland and Wellington from December 18.
The company says sleeper bus routes are available elsewhere in the world but the Naked Bus sleeper will be the first of its kind in New Zealand.
The service will be manned by an on-board attendant, passengers travelling together will be able to sleep on bunks next to each other, while single travellers will be placed next to a person of the same gender.
The 1.85m bunk-style beds will be separated by a privacy board. The beds come with sheets and pillows and for a limited time, a free ‘onesie’ says Naked Bus. Wifi, food, and beverages will also be available on-board too.
The company says the sleeper will run as a trial service initially and customer feedback will play a role in the next stage of development. The buses are being fitted out in Christchurch.
Buses will depart from Auckland and Wellington and will call at Hamilton and Palmerston North.
Bookings for the new sleeper bus opened this week and fares will range from $1 up to $55.
“The sleeper is a first for New Zealand and it will transform the way people move between the main centres,” says Naked Bus chief executive Hamish Nuttall.
“We’ve been working tirelessly with regulators, suppliers, design teams and our own in-house expertise to deliver this service.”
