InterCity Group has made its second major acquisition this year – the purchase of Auckland Hop-on Hop-off explorer bus.
From November 1 the distinctive yellow buses will be owned and operated by New Zealand’s largest sightseeing tour and passenger transport operator.
This acquisition follows the group’s licence to operate the Gray Line sightseeing tour brand in August.
Auckland Explorer buses, which have been touring Auckland’s main attractions since 1987, have expanded from a single double-decker to a fleet of eight vehicles.
The buses’ two routes connect 14 top Auckland attractions, including Kelly Tarlton’s, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Sky Tower, Parnell Village, Motat and the Auckland Zoo.
“I’m thrilled to add the iconic Auckland Explorer brand to the InterCity Group network,” says InterCity Group chief executive John Thorburn.
Auckland tourism, events and economic development chief executive Brett O’Riley says hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours’ potential for an integrated service with InterCity will be advantageous for tourism.
InterCity Group’s other popular Auckland tourism products include GreatSights day tours around the region and the Hauraki Blue Cruises cruise catamaran.
