My observations are based upon experience with NBus services north of Auckland.

There have been many improvements to the service over the last couple of years. It is obvious from new rules imposed upon NBus drivers that at least two of my letters pointing out deficiencies have brought corrective action, e.g. drivers no longer hold long cell phone conversations with their friends (even using Bluetooth) while driving fare-paying passengers - disgraceful disrespect for their safety! Difficulty is that NBus is only an on-line booking service; the buses and drivers are all contracted to NBus, meaning that NBus relies upon their contractors' goodwill to discipline rude or wayward drivers. I have used NBus many times, never encounter a rude driver and only once in four years arrived at my destination late, that time because of a sick passenger. My only ongoing complaint is the generic failure of most drivers, including NBus drivers, to come to a halt at compulsory stop signs, and in this case passenger service vehicles to come to a halt at uncontrolled railway level crossings. When drivers fail to halt at four, and often five out of five compulsory stop signs on one trip it is fair to say the problem is endemic and endangers passengers. None the less, I shall still use NBus and rate the service highly accordingly.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

This kauri forest mini-walk has all the ingredients of a full-size Waipoua experience.

Arguably the easiest to access of all the Puketi walks, a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk ensures ones feet cannot get wet while traversing an ancient swamp. Abundant giant kauri fill the vista and the quietness of the thick understory of native bush is punctuated by calls from the prolific bird life. Good interpretation signage tells the kauri story well. Time to complete the loop and return to the convenient parking area if time is taken to fully appreciate this place is around 20 minutes.

Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in December 2012