Welcome to our November edition, which includes information about a new community shuttle in Ōamaru, extra bus trips on busy cruise days and National Bus Driver Appreciation Day.
Also, learn how to have the best day-cation by bus and how to find out if your bus is cancelled or delayed. Read on!
If you have any feedback or want to tell us about good public transport stories, please email comms@orc.govt.nz.
Ōamaru community shuttle launches
It’s now easier for Ōamaru people to get to Palmerston and Dunedin!
The Ōamaru – Palmerston – Dunedin community shuttle is transporting people to areas between Ōamaru and Dunedin.
The shuttle leaves Ōamaru at 9.30am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It is not a door-to-door service but leaves from and returns to pick-up/drop-off locations in Ōamaru, Maheno, Herbert, Hampden, Moeraki and Palmerston.
The shuttle connects with the 11am Orbus Route 1 bus from Palmerston to Dunedin, arriving at the Dunedin Bus Hub at 12 noon. It leaves the Dunedin Bus Hub at 6pm travelling to Palmerston, where the shuttle meets passengers then travels to Ōamaru, arriving at approximately 8pm.
Koha for the shuttle is $5 cash each way, and Orbus fares range from $1.25 to $2.50 each way with a Bee Card, depending on whether a passenger qualifies for a concession, or $3 cash.
The service is run by Ōamaru Community Shuttle Group volunteers, as part of a six-month trial which ends in April 2026.
ORC has made a funding contribution of $25,000 for the trial service, using targeted rates collected in 2024–2025 for public transport in Ōamaru.
The shuttle will initially run between Ōamaru and Palmerston, but this route may change during the trial.
Advance bookings can be made by phoning 027 214 4131.
Trevor Goodin, Ōamaru Community Shuttle volunteer driver and Chairman of the Ōamaru Community Shuttle Group, with one of the shuttles being used for the service
Thank you, driver!
Our bus drivers are the unsung heroes of our public transport system, battling traffic jams, bad weather and road works to keep Dunedin and Queenstown moving — day and night.
Every day, no matter what conditions they face, drivers are out on the road, ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely.
National Bus Driver Appreciation Day on 16 November celebrates their great work.
One way of showing your appreciation is when you’re on board, remember to say ‘thank you, driver’ nice and loud. Another way is to let the bus go first when you’re driving behind.
Long-serving Dunedin bus driver Allen Lawless
Day-cation by bus
Did you know some Orbus bus trips in Otago are the most scenic in New Zealand?
With warmer days ahead, try a relaxing ‘day-cation’ by bus.
In Dunedin, our buses travel along picturesque routes to Otago Peninsula, Waitati–Waikouaiti–Palmerston, Brighton and Port Chalmers.
The Route 18 trip along Otago Peninsula was nominated by The Spinoff as New Zealand’s most scenic public transport route. This charming trip winds along the bays and coves of Otago Harbour, travelling to Portobello and Harington Point and offering stunning views, wildlife and beaches.
A one-way journey takes an hour, and it’s the best $2 (or $3 without a Bee Card) you can spend in the city.
For one of Queenstown’s most beautiful public bus trips, hop on Route 4, Jack’s Point to Arrowtown, via Queenstown. Whether you start at historic Arrowtown or Jack’s Point, the alpine settlement at the foot of the Remarkables, you’re in for a spectacular ride.
Take in the breathtaking scenery as you wind around Lake Whakatipu and cross the iconic Shotover and Kawarau rivers.
This one-way journey takes around an hour and costs only $2 (or $4 without a Bee Card).
For another unforgettable experience, take an Orbus ferry and enjoy panoramic views of Queenstown. This trip from Queenstown Bay to the Frankton Marina via Kelvin Heights and the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa takes about 20 minutes and costs $10 each way (or $14 with a bank card – cash is not accepted).
The Orbus Route 18 bus trip along Otago Peninsula has been nominated as New Zealand’s most scenic public transport route.
Temporary Frankton bus stop shift remains in place
The bus stop on the golf course side of the Frankton Hub has temporarily moved 80 metres south on Kawarau Road, affecting routes 1, 3, and 5 until late November.
Remember to allow extra time to transfer between buses on either side of the road, and expect delays due to congestion and roadworks — please plan your trip accordingly.
Extra bus trips on busy cruise days
Cruise ship season is in full swing, with 79 cruise ships expected to arrive in Port Chalmers and Dunedin before 15 April 2026.
Extra buses are running on Route 14 between Port Chalmers and the city on 30 days throughout the season to make sure there’s room for local passengers.
The busiest days coming up are 14 November, 10 December, 24 December and 30 December.
Please check our website for a schedule showing additional buses, visit the Orbus Dunedin Facebook page, or call the customer service team on 0800 672 8736.
A cruise ship entering Otago Harbour
How do I find out if my bus is cancelled or delayed?
Check your bus alerts at orc.govt.nz/orbus before you set out on your trip — select your area: Dunedin or Queenstown. Click on the red alerts box at the top to see affected routes.
A free phone number is also available:
- 0800 672 8736 for Dunedin information.
- 0800 672 8778 for Queenstown information.
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Our mailing address is:
comms@orc.govt.nz
