I am a huge fan of travelling by bus because first, it is the cheapest mode of travelling and secondly, I get to enjoy scenic views along the way. And, what better way to enjoy New Zealand’s epic natural landscapes than by taking a bus ride where we just sit back, relax and enjoy the view. 😉
The first long distance travel bus I ever took in New Zealand was with ManaBus.Com, travelling from Auckland to Tauranga. And, I am happy to say that I have made the right decision to travel with ManaBus.Com and it is my favourite bus company.
ManaBus.Com – Fast, Friendly & Affordable Service
True to its motto, ManaBus.Com really does offer fast, friendly and affordable bus service to the public. Before I decided to book a ride with ManaBus.Com, I already researched and made a price, comfort and safety comparison between ManaBus.Com and Intercity (the two main bus operators in New Zealand).
Since both companies offer seats and services at competitive prices, it was rather difficult for me to choose which bus operator I should travel with. In the end, I followed my instinct and booked a bus ticket with ManaBus.Com via its official website here. 🙂
The booking process was easy peasy! I just need to input the destination I am going to, from where I am taking the bus, the date(s) of travel, the number of passengers and the promotion code (if any). Once that is done, ManaBus.Com will show a list of the available time and ticket prices for that specific journey.
Mind you, different departure time presents different pricing even if it is on the same day. However, ManaBus.Com do offer a promotion from time to time therefore, it is best to check its website for the latest info and updates. Also, tickets booked way in advance is usually cheaper than booking it several days ahead.
Safety & Comfort First for All Passengers
What I love about ManaBus.Com is all their coaches are brand new (Volvo BR11 coaches) and driven by professional, qualified and trained drivers. That gave me the peace of mind I needed to fully enjoy the journey without any worries. 😀
Another thing I love about ManaBus.Com is its bus features that include free Wi-Fi access and power points at every seat for passengers to conveniently charge their laptops or mobile devices, clean toilets on-board every coach, reclining seats with safety seat belts, and air conditioning.
For passengers with disabilities, a majority of ManaBus.Com coaches have low access and an extendable ramp which allows off-the-curb access for wheelchairs. In addition, each coach also has three downstairs seats available for less mobile passengers.
Also, all ManaBus.Com passengers are allowed free of charge, up to two pieces of luggage per passenger – one piece of luggage weighing up to 20kg and one small piece of luggage to be taken on board the bus and stored either below the seat or on the shelf located above the passenger’s seat. Additional luggage will be charge at $10 each and subjected to the availability of space on the bus.
Comfortable & Scenic Bus Ride from Auckland to Tauranga
Early in the morning, I made my way from my hostel at Fort Street to the designated bus stop at 172 Quay Street, opposite the Ferry Building. For your info, the seats on the bus were occupied on a free-seating, first-come-first-serve basis. Since I was the first passenger to board the bus, I was able to pick the seat that I want and I sat right in front, on the upper deck of the double-decker bus, so that I can enjoy a better view. 😀
The bus seats were clean, comfortable and spacious. The free Wi-Fi was working perfectly too. I used the toilet once throughout the journey and it was in a good condition. Overall, I truly enjoyed my scenic bus ride from Auckland to Tauranga, New Zealand with ManaBus.Com and will not hesitate to travel with them again.
My only complaint would be my own stubbornness; I did not want to fall asleep even though I was feeling so sleepy because I wanted to enjoy the picturesque views of New Zealand’s epic natural landscapes along the journey so badly. Haha!! 😛 Boy, it was such a torture…but, it was well worth it for I managed to take lots of photos and videos too of the amazing sceneries for memories! <3
In a Nutshell
After travelling for about 3 hours on the bus, I finally arrived at my destination. The bus stopped beside the Tauranga I-SITE Visitor Information Centre and City Libraries on Wharf Street. From there, I made my way towards my new abode for the next couple of months – Arthouse Accommodation Boutique Backpackers located on Cameron Road (about 300 meters away from the bus stop). 😀
Up next: Bed in 8-bed mixed dormitory room at Arthouse Accommodation Boutique Backpackers in Tauranga review (Part 1)