Regional bus service
A regional bus service is available to students who live in smaller towns.
Waikato Regional Bus Service
Unfortunately, we are no longer offering our Thames service. There are some changes to our Tokoroa, Te Kuiti and Matamata services, which are being operated by Waikato Regional Council:
Tokoroa and Te Kuiti
The Waikato Regional Council bus services from Tokoroa and Te Kuiti are public services and travel through surrounding towns.These services operate Monday to Friday, including study weeks, exam weeks and teaching recess, but excluding public holidays.
The Te Kuiti service includes a transfer to a connecting bus at Waikato Hospital. If you make this connection you’re eligible for free transfers for half an hour after tagging off.
Visit Tokoroa Connector – BUSIT and Te Kuiti Connector – BUSIT for more information.
Matamata
There is an existing Waikato Regional Council public service that is from Matamata to Hamilton operating Monday to Friday.
Visit Eastern Connector - BUSIT for more information.
Te Kauwhata
There is an existing Waikato Regional Council public service that is from Te Kauwhata to Hamilton operating Monday to Friday.
Visit Northern Connector - BUSIT for more information.
For more information on all services provided by Waikato Regional Council, visit Waikato Regional Bus Services.
Cost
To use these regional bus services, simply tag on with your Bee card. To receive a student discount, your Bee Card must be registered with the University.
Thames
This service is not available in 2023. If you impacted by the service no longer being available, please email info@waikato.ac.nz with your Student ID, days of travel and how you are currently coming to campus.
Contact
For more information, email info@waikato.ac.nz
Register your Bee Card with the University to receive a student discount.
Bay of Plenty Regional Bus Service
Tauranga-based University of Waikato students who live in Whakatāne and Katikati can use the Bay of Plenty Regional Bus Services.
Bus Routes and Timetables
Route 143 (Whakatane – Tauranga): An alternative service arrives in Tauranga CBD at 11:45am and departs at 2:05 pm.
Routes 80/81 (Katikati – Tauranga): These services operate six inbound/outbound buses daily, with the earliest arrival in Tauranga at 7:40am and the latest departure at 5:15pm.
Costs: Tag on with your Bee card (with tertiary concession preloaded) to access the service at a discounted student rate.