It’s now easier for Ōamaru people to get to Dunedin and areas in between!
A shuttle now travels directly between Ōamaru and Dunedin. No need to connect to the Route 1 bus at Palmerston. The shuttle now runs on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and the Tuesday and Saturday shuttle services have been discontinued.
The Ōamaru – Dunedin community shuttle is transporting people to areas between Ōamaru and Dunedin three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
To make sure you get a seat on the van please book in advance by calling 027 214 4131.
The phones are answered 9am-5pm. At other times, please leave your number and we will call you back.
The shuttle leaves Ōamaru at 9am and 2pm and departs Dunedin at 10.30am and 4pm. All times are approximate and confirmed at booking.
It is not a door-to-door service but leaves from and returns to pick-up locations upon request (booking required) in Ōamaru, Maheno, Herbert, Hampden, Moeraki, Palmerston, Waikouaiti, Evansdale, and Waitati.
The shuttle service is a community transport trial run by volunteers and supported by Otago Regional Council. At the March 2026 council meeting, councillors voted to extend the trial beyond the original six-month trial, with a further funding contribution of up to $25,000. The trial will now end on 30 September 2026.
The community shuttle is separate from the St. John hospital shuttle, which runs Monday-Friday. To book the St. John shuttle phone 0800 103 046.
See departure and arrival times, fare information and pick-up locations below.
Please note, we will update you on any changes during the trial.
The shuttle runs on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays (except Christmas Day).
Times are appropriate and will be confirmed on booking. Arrival times may be affected by the number of stops booked, road works, and circumstances outside of our volunteers’ control. We appreciate your feedback during this trial.
| Leaves | Arrives | ||
| Ōamaru - Dunedin | Leaves Ōamaru | 9.00 am | |
| Arrives Dunedin Bus Hub | 10.25 am | ||
| Dunedin – Ōamaru | Leaves Dunedin (SH1 at New World Centre City) |
10.30 am | |
| Arrives Ōamaru (approximately) | 11.55 am |
| Leaves | Arrives | ||
| Ōamaru – Dunedin | Leaves Ōamaru |
2.00 pm |
|
| Arrives Dunedin Bus Hub | 3.25 pm | ||
| Dunedin – Ōamaru | Leaves Dunedin (SH1 at New World Centre City) |
4.00 pm | |
| Arrives Ōamaru (approximately) | 5.25 pm |
(times confirmed when booking)
Oamaru:
North End car park (Frome Street)
Eden Street bus stop
Awamoa Park bus stop (just past petrol station)
Other areas:
Maheno (SH1 just past Tavern)
Herbert (opposite the old shop)
Hampden (police station)
Moeraki (tavern)
Palmerston (Bond Street)
Waikouaiti (SH1)
Evansdale (SH1)
Waitati (SH1)
Dunedin (SH1 at New World Centre City)
(Hospital dropoff/pickup available if needed)
Hello you wonderful people who have organised the shuttle service! I was the first customer today and I really appreciated the ride and my complimentary Bee card. Thanks very much.
— Rachel, Hampden
Hello, my bus trip to Dunedin was wonderful. The shuttle drivers were most pleasant. Rebecca took me to Palmerston and waited until my bus arrived. The Orbus took us on a tiki tour through Waikaouiti and Karitane, arriving in Dunedin at 12.15pm. The bus coming home is facing north and is at Stop E. Our shuttle bus was waiting at Palmerston and very kindly took me to where my car was parked in Oamaru. I think the service was amazing and totally recommend it and will definitely use it again. Many thanks.
— Lorraine, Oamaru
The driver was absolutely great – Richard I think his name was. The drive was also so good. I asked for a Bee card so thanks so much. I will definitely go again.
— Judy, Oamaru
Such fabulous shuttle service to have available, Oamaru-Palmerston and return. This service is well recommended. Such a courteous driver. Thank you very much.
— Rhonda, Dunedin
Otago Regional Council is supporting extending the community transport trial in Ōamaru until October 2026 by six months.
Otago Regional Council has supported the development of a framework for community transport in Otago.
Volunteers from the Ōamaru-Palmerston Community Shuttle Group, supported by Otago Regional Council.
No, this is a separate service from the St John hospital shuttle. To book the St. John hospital shuttle please phone 0800 103 046.
No, it is a six-month trial. We are monitoring it, and the status of the shuttle after six months will depend on how well it performs and on community feedback.
There may be changes to the schedule during the trial. We will update you about any changes.
Call us Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Orbus Dunedin
Orbus Queenstown
