WellingtonNZ.com,
New Zealand 

GreatSights New Zealand (part of the InterCity Group) has today announced a 12-stop ‘hop on hop off’ CitySights bus product that will connect Wellington’s new attractions with capital classics such as Te Papa, the Cable Car, Wellington Zoo and Parliament.

This new tour service connecting Wellington’s great sights will launch in the capital late September, in time for the popular Montana World of WearableArt Awards Show. 

Passengers can either take the one-hour round trip on the 30 seat bus or hop on and off at their choice of stops. Affectionately known as ‘HOHO’ (hop on hop off), the 30 seat Citysights bus will allow patrons to purchase a ticket that is valid for 24 hours, enabling them to board and exit the bus as many times as they like over a 24 hour period. This differs from some HOHO products which offer day only passes, limiting use for those who arrive or wish to start their tour later in the day. 

Sam Peate, General Manager Coaching at InterCity Group (NZ) Ltd said ‘HOHO’ buses were expected and successful in major tourist cities. 

“Wellington has introduced a number of exciting new attractions in recent months and its international profile is really building. As we head towards Rugby World Cup next year, we feel the time is right to launch a new service that connects the city’s experiences for visitors and reinforces Wellington’s position as an international destination and vision to be the best little capital in the world,” says Mr Peate. 

David Perks, CEO of Positively Wellington Tourism said the introduction of a HOHO service run by an internationally recognised tourism brand couldn’t be more timely. 

“Wellington has just launched two new world-class attractions in ZEALANDIA and Carter Observatory and this will connect them and all the other iconic city sights for our visitors. The HOHO concept is one most of Wellington’s 550,000 international visitors each year will be very familiar with, and indeed expect in a city like Wellington. It will offer New Zealanders a cost and time effective way to tour around their capital.” 

As part of the service, the CitySights driver will deliver an informative and entertaining commentary bringing to life the culture, history and contemporary lifestyle of Wellington. Passengers who speak Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish will also have the option of access to disposable earphones (free of charge) so they can listen to recorded commentary on the bus. 

Mayor of Wellington Kerry Prendergast said: “Wellington has some wonderful, unique attractions and it is a fantastic idea to link so many of them in this way. 

“We have recently seen some exciting developments – for example, the reopening of the Carter Observatory, the new ZEALANDIA visitor centre and the nest hospital at the Zoo. 

“The city has invested a great deal in these attractions so I welcome any move to make it easier it is for people to get around and enjoy them.” 

The service will depart every hour from 9.30am at the Wellington i-SITE Visitor Centre with the last service departing at 4.30pm. Ticket prices are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Passes can be purchased at the i-SITE, outlets across the city, booked online, directly from the driver or via wholesale travel agents. 

“We’re confident that the new service and its attractive price point will resonate with local and overseas visitors to Wellington. It’s an exciting time for Wellington and GreatSights New Zealand is excited to be part of it,” adds Mr Peate. 

About Wellington CitySights bus: 

• Passes will be valid for 24 hours. ie. if you start at 3pm on day one, you can keep on using the pass until 3pm on day two.

• Price are $30 for adults, $15 for children. 

• The Wellington CitySights Bus will depart from the Wellington i-SITE every hour, from 9.30 am with the last departure at 4.30pm.

• Each circuit will be 60 minutes duration and will make 12 stops en route where passengers are free to hop off, explore the city and attractions, and reboard the service later.

 • The Wellington CitySights Bus will have a Euro 4 or better rating reinforcing InterCity’s commitment to being environmentally friendly.