Service paused due to awaiting funding.
Please check our facebook page for updates.

Travel to Whangārei and back from Whangaruru

app-mockup
Pīkau is a pilot program demonstrating the feasibility of an on-demand bus service in the rural area of Northland Aotearoa New Zealand. The bus service connects the Whangaruru community with essential services in Whangārei. 

Project partners: Ngātiwai Iwi, Waka Kotahi, Ritchies and Liftango.  
app-store-downloadgoogle-play-store-download
app-preview

Operating Every Tuesday

Whangaruru to Whangārei

Leaving Whangaruru after 8:00 am and arriving before 10:00 am in Whangārei.

Whangārei to Whangaruru

Leaving Whangārei after 2:00 pm and returning to Whangaruru before 4:00 pm.

How do I book?

Trips can be booked by using the Pīkau App or by calling 09 430 0939

When booking your ride to Whangārei as this is a rideshare service that leaves after 08:00am from Whangaruru and arrives by 10:00am in Whangārei. Make sure you select to arrive at your destination by 10:00am.

When booking your ride back to Whangaruru as the rideshare service leaves after 2:00pm from Whangārei. Make sure when booking your trip you select leave after 2:00 pm. This will make sure you get a booking and arrive back in Whangaruru by 4:00pm.

To board vehicle, Users must have a booking. Vehicle drivers will not, under any circumstances, pick up passengers hailing vehicles or passengers who have not booked a trip in advance, through the App or by phone.

When booking a trip, please have the following information ready: 

  • Your name, address and phone number.
  • The date for which you wish to schedule the trip.
  • The origin, destination, and desired time of your trip. If needed, schedule your return trip at the same time you make your initial trip reservation. 

What is Pīkau?

Pīkau is a pilot program demonstrating the feasibility of an on-demand transportation system in the Northlands. This pilot program is funded through a Waka Kotahi Hoe ki angitū Innovation Grant and is expected to operate for 20 weeks. Pīkau is operated by Ngātiwai, a Māori Iwi in Northland and Ritchies Transport. These collaborating agencies may operate vehicles that do not reflect the Pīkau name or branding but are operating the same Pīkau on-demand software as part of the pilot demonstration.

Where can I use Pīkau?

The service can be used in the Whangārei and Whangaruru regions from the following meeting points:

  • Tuparehuia Marae
  • Ngaiotonga Marae
  • Otetao Reti Marae
  • Oakura Hall
  • Mookau Marae
  • Kamo Bus Stop near Mcdonalds
  • Countdown Tikipunga Bus Stop
  • Pak'n Save Whangerei Bus Stop
  • Whangerai Hospital Main Entrance
  • Bunnings Warehouse Whangārei Bus Stop
  • Terenga Paraoa Marae
  • Te Puna o Te Mātaraunga Marae

Frequently Asked Questions

About

What is Pīkau?

Pīkau is a pilot program demonstrating the feasibility of an on-demand transportation system in the Northlands. This pilot program is funded through a Waka Kotahi Hoe ki angitū Innovation Grant and is expected to operate for 20 weeks. Pīkau is operated by Ngātiwai, a Māori Iwi in Northland and Ritchies Transport. These collaborating agencies may operate vehicles that do not reflect the Pīkau name or branding but are operating the same Pīkau on-demand software as part of the pilot demonstration.

When can I use Pīkau?

Pīkau operate’s between 8:00am to 4:00 pm every Tuesday

Leaving Whangaruru after 8:00 am and arriving before 10:00 am in Whangārei. Then leaving Whangārei after 2:00 pm and returning to Whangaruru before 4:00 pm. At this time, the service will not operate on any other days or major holidays.

How do I book?

Trips can be booked by using the Pīkau App or by calling 09 430 0939

To board vehicle, Users must have a booking. Vehicle drivers will not, under any circumstances, pick up passengers hailing vehicles or passengers who have not booked a trip in advance, through the App or by phone.

When booking a trip, please have the following information ready: 

  • Your name, address and phone number.
  • The date for which you wish to schedule the trip.
  • The origin, destination, and desired time of your trip. If needed, schedule your return trip at the same time you make your initial trip reservation.

What are the fares and charges?

Nothing! Pīkau is a pilot program and won't charge any fares or fees. 

When will my ride arrive?

You must be ready for your booked ride before the confirmed pick up time. Once the vehicle arrives, it cannot wait long before proceeding to the next booked customer. If the vehicle must leave without picking you up, your trip will need to be rescheduled using the App or by calling 09 430 0939.

What if I need to change my booking?

That's OK, trips can be cancelled and changed through the Pīkau app or by calling 09 430 0939.

However, we appreciate it if you could cancel as soon as possible. This will give other riders the opportunity to book the ride instead.

Passengers

What is the children travel policy?

Children of all ages are permitted to travel on the bus.However for the safety and comfort of all passengers, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible individual aged 16 or older.

What if there is multiple passengers in my party?

We kindly ask that you let us know if you will be bringing any additional passengers when you book your ride. If you forget to tell us, we may not be able to accommodate you, or we may have to cancel your ride altogether.

On-board experience

What can I bring on the vehicle?

  • Prams are permitted on the vehicles but must be stored securely and must be clear of the aisles.
  • No passenger shall consume food or drink in any vehicle.
  • No operator or passenger shall smoke any substance on any vehicle at any time.
  • Neither the Ritchies Transport or the Ngātiwai Trust Board take any responsibility for any parcels, packages, luggage or other goods placed or left in any vehicle.
  • No bikes are allowed on buses.
  • No animals other than a properly certified service dog (or service dog under training) shall accompany any passenger on the vehicle.

What is the seat allocation and use of seatbelt policy?

The services currently do not provide for specifically allocated seating and it is therefore the responsibility of the User to select an available seat upon boarding the Vehicle. Provider requires all passengers to wear seat belts when using the service. The safety of the User, including the use of seatbelts, is the responsibility of the User in all circumstances.

Contacting us

Who can I call if I have more questions or have a complaint?

If you have further questions or wish to file a complaint regarding service provided by the Provider, please contact Ngātiwai Trust Board on 09 430 0939.