Nau mai, welcome to Orbus!
Orbus provides public bus services in Dunedin and public bus and ferry services in Queenstown to help get you to where you need to go.
Using the bus is environmentally friendly, reduces congestion, cheaper than operating and maintaining a private car, and relieves the stress of finding a car park.
The Dunedin network has over 20 bus routes, stretching as far as Palmerston and Mosgiel. Over 2.5 million bus trips were made last year. Go Bus and Ritchies operate the bus services in Dunedin.
The Queenstown network contains five routes, some going as far as Arrowtown and Kelvin Heights. There is also one ferry route that goes from the Hilton (Kelvin Heights) to Queenstown. Over 1.4 million bus trips were made last year. Ritchies operate the bus services in Queenstown, while Queenstown Ferries operate the ferry services.
Orbus is brought to you by the Otago Regional Council.
ORC is installing a total of 50 more solar-powered electronic signs in Dunedin and Queenstown, giving people real-time tracking information about buses.
The first batch of e-signs have been installed at several Dunedin stops, including at the Bus Hub, Union Street, at Dunedin Hospital, Princes and Rattray Streets, Macandrew Bay, and at the clock town in Gordon Road, Mosgiel. One is operating at Queenstown Airport. A total of 50 more are being put into Dunedin and Queenstown bus stops in 2024 – 2025. Results of a recent bus stop audit determined the locations of the latest installations.
The e-signs are designed to provide real-time updates on bus arrival times, helping passengers plan their journeys more efficiently and reduce waiting times at bus stops. Here’s more details:
- Solar power: They are solar-powered, reducing the need for external power sources and making them environmentally friendly
- Real-time data: They display real-time information about bus arrivals. This data is collected from GPS devices on the buses and is updated every 30 seconds
- Audio button: Audio is available for blind/low vision bus users
- User-friendly: They are easy to read and understand.
Learn more about what's happening at Orbus
On Board with Orbus newsletter
Sign up to our online newsletter to get the latest news about the Orbus service in Dunedin and Queenstown.
Electric buses
Learn more about how we're using electric buses to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
Queenstown Public Transport Business Case
This business case is focused on the Queenstown area's future public transport investment decisions over the next 15 years.
Latest media releases about Orbus
Temporary bus bike rack restriction now day and night
Otago Regional Council has extended last week’s announcement about a suspension of use of the bike racks on buses in both Dunedin and Queenstown to now apply both during the day and in the evening.
Mosgiel bus service set to expand with 13 new electric buses
New electric buses will provide public transport services to Mosgiel, Green Island, Abbotsford and Brighton from 2025 and Mosgiel’s bus loop (routes 80 and 81) will be replaced with a new fully electric on-demand service.
Palmerston, Warrington and Waitati bus service update
From the beginning of school term 4 on Monday, 14 October, there will be a permanent 1C service departing the Dunedin Bus Hub to Warrington. This will mean that the morning 1C service now has a return trip in the afternoons.
Free buses for rugby Test match - ORC
Otago Regional Council and Dunedin City Council are providing a variety of free buses and parking facilities for rugby fans heading to the All Blacks Vs England game on Saturday.
Buses connecting people for Matariki
People joining Matariki celebrations in Ōtepoti Dunedin and Kā-Muriwai Arrowtown will be able to catch public buses to festivities over the long weekend.
New multi-agency group to address Bus Hub concerns
Mayor of Dunedin Jules Radich says a new multi-agency working group will be dedicated to changing the culture of behaviour and improving safety at Dunedin’s Bus Hub.
Helpful information
Te kake i te pahi Using the bus
Find info on how to take a bus, bus alerts, what you can take on the bus, school buses, concessions (such as SuperGold), public holidays, tracking your bus, FAQs and more.
Utu Fares
Find information on bus and ferry fares for adults, children, Community Service card holders and SuperGold card holders.
Te Kāri Pī Bee Card
Learn everything about the Bee Card, such as why you should get one, how to get it registered and how to use it.
Wātaka pahi o Ōtepoti Dunedin bus timetables
Find all the different bus routes and times in Dunedin, including to Mosgiel and Palmerston, along with school bus timetables. You can also download a timetable booklet that includes a map.
Wātaka pahi, wātaka waka kōpiko o Tāhuna Queenstown bus & ferry timetables
Discover the times for all Queenstown bus and ferry routes, including specific school bus times. You can also find downloadable timetables.
Whai Wāhitaka Accessibility
Learn how Orbus makes bus travel as accessible as possible for a range of different users, such as allowing onboard wheelchairs, service dogs and kneeling buses.
Tūnuku Transport plans and policies
Learn more about regional transport plans, including for public transport, for the Otago region.
Whakapā mai Contact us
Get in touch with our fantastic customer services team if you have any questions or feedback on our Orbus services.
Register an Exempt Public Transport Service
If you're using a vehicle to move people that would could require a public transport service licence, you will need to register or apply for an exemption.
