In October 2026, Johnston’s proudly celebrates 100 years of service, marking a remarkable journey that has mirrored the evolution of transport, tourism and travel in New Zealand itself. 

One hundred years ago, Auckland was a very different city.

Trams rattled through the streets, commercial aviation was still in its infancy, and the motor car was only beginning to transform how New Zealanders travelled. It was against this backdrop that E.C. “Johnny” Johnston and V.J. Brinsden established Johnston’s Taxis from Gore Street in central Auckland in 1925. Few could have imagined that the small transport business they founded would still be operating a century later.

Johnston’s Blue Taxis fleet outside its early Auckland depot in 1926.

Johnston and Brinsden set out to create a taxi business that offered a higher standard than many operators of the time, with superior vehicles and a first-class reputation. The timing was challenging, with the Depression soon to reshape the economy, yet Johnston’s continued to grow.

Originally established as a taxi company, it soon expanded into tourism, operating touring cars, limousines and sightseeing services. Three years later, the company had established services to Auckland’s aerodrome at Māngere, beginning a relationship with airport transport that would become one of the defining threads of its history.

Johnston’s Blue Motors buses waiting for passengers at Whenuapai Airport in 1952.

Evolving with New Zealand

As aviation grew, so did Johnston’s. The business transported passengers to and from airports, carried airline crews, operated sightseeing tours, welcomed cruise ship visitors and connected travellers with destinations across the country. Through each new era of transport, Johnston’s found new ways to serve a changing market.

By 1938, Johnston's had outgrown its taxi roots. Renamed Johnston’s Blue Motors, the business was expanding into larger passenger vehicles and bus services. Its distinctive blue and silver livery became a familiar sight for generations of New Zealanders.

A Johnston’s Blue Motors vehicle showing the company’s original blue and silver livery.

Over the decades, Johnston’s expanded alongside New Zealand’s growing tourism industry. Operations were established in Christchurch and Queenstown, coaches were reintroduced to the fleet in the 1980s, and strategic acquisitions including Mt Cook Coachlines and Scenic Coachlines strengthened the company’s position as a leading transport operator.

A Johnston’s bus departing for the airport outside the NAC building in the 1950s, pictured with one of the company’s blue limousines.

A century of adaptation

Yet the Johnston’s story is not simply one of growth. It is also one of resilience.

Over the course of a century, the company has navigated world wars, economic downturns, tourism slumps, industry restructures, ownership changes, natural disasters and global disruption. Throughout each challenge, Johnston’s adapted, evolved and continued moving people where they wanted to go.

That ability to evolve has been a defining characteristic of the business. While the vehicles and services have changed significantly since 1926, Johnston’s has remained focused on connecting people with places.

As Johnston’s marks its centenary, it also celebrates the generations of people who have contributed to its success. Drivers, mechanics, operations teams, managers and support staff have helped build and sustain the business across ten decades.

“Johnston’s earned its reputation by delivering where others didn’t,” says Garth Stewart, who served as General Manager for 16 years. “A couple of clients tried other operators, but they came back to us because the standard wasn’t the same.”

“We were the first to introduce improvements that made a real difference to passengers, from more comfortable interiors to free Wi-Fi and drivers who could add commentary along the way. Others followed, but that willingness to lead became part of what set Johnston’s apart.”

Looking ahead

Today, Johnston’s forms part of the Kinetic Group and continues to serve communities, visitors and businesses throughout New Zealand. Recent years have seen continued growth through airport transport, staff shuttles, charters and major events, reinforcing the company’s enduring role in New Zealand’s transport landscape.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Johnston’s story is not the number of vehicles operated or the kilometres travelled, but its ability to remain relevant through a century of change. As Johnston’s enters its second century, that spirit of adaptation continues to guide the business forward.

Over the past century, Johnston’s has grown and evolved. The milestones below highlight some of the key moments along the way.