Kinetic’s Go Bus Expands South Island Presence With Golden Bay Coachlines Acquisition

Leading Australasian public transport operator Kinetic, has officially expanded its South Island operations via its subsidiary brand Go Bus, with the acquisition of Golden Bay Coachlines. Golden Bay Coachlines is a long-established and respected passenger transport operator serving communities across Golden Bay / Mohua and the wider Nelson–Tasman region.

Services will carry on without interruption, with the same drivers, depots and vehicles now part of Go Bus. By retaining the local team, the business provides certainty for schools, families and the wider community during the transition.

Golden Bay Coachlines has been part of the fabric of the region for four decades, currently operating 19 school bus routes on behalf of the Ministry of Education, alongside scheduled services between Tākaka and Nelson, and charter services that support both locals and visitors. Its depots in Tākaka and Murchison will remain central to ongoing operations.

The acquisition strengthens Kinetic’s presence across the top of the South Island through its Go Bus brand, and reflects a shared commitment to reliable, locally delivered public transport.

Kinetic New Zealand Managing Director, Calum Haslop, says the focus is firmly on supporting people and communities.

“Golden Bay Coachlines has built a trusted operation over decades, and we’re proud to continue that legacy. For the communities we serve, this is about continuity and confidence. The same drivers, the same local knowledge, and the same commitment to safe, reliable transport remain in place, supported by the scale, expertise and long-term investment of Kinetic and Go Bus.

“At a time when many regional businesses are under pressure, it’s important to us that we’re supporting local jobs and providing certainty for the people who rely on these services every day.

“Being part of Kinetic also brings access to broader capability and expertise, while keeping decision-making grounded locally. We are proudly a New Zealand operator, and while we benefit from being part of a larger international transport group, our strength comes from local teams who understand their communities.

“That combination allows us to support regions like Nelson–Tasman not just today, but as public transport continues to evolve – whether through improved connectivity, future service opportunities, or sharing knowledge from across our wider network.”

Michael Bickley, outgoing owner of Golden Bay Coachlines, says joining Kinetic’s Go Bus ensures the business’s values and community focus continue.

“This business has always been about serving our communities well, and that won’t change. Becoming part of Kinetic’s Go Bus gives our team security and new opportunities, while ensuring customers continue to receive the service they know and trust. I’m proud of what we’ve built over the past four decades, and I’m confident Kinetic and Go Bus will maintain that same commitment to the region.”

Golden Bay Coachlines will officially transition to Go Bus Golden Bay from Monday, 19 January 2026, ahead of the first school term.

About Go Bus

Go Bus is part of Kinetic, New Zealand, operating more than 2000 vehicles from 39 depots across the country. It delivers urban, school, and charter services nationwide, partnering with the Ministry of Education, local councils, and communities to provide safe, reliable, and accessible transport.

About Kinetic in New Zealand

Kinetic New Zealand is the largest bus operator in the country and proudly the largest operator of zero-emission buses in the region, with over 320 electric buses and 11 electrified depots. It employs over 4,500 people across its Kinetic Urban, Go Bus, Johnston’s, and SkyBus brands.

Kinetic New Zealand is a trusted transport partner for local councils and is the largest provider of school transport services for the Ministry of Education. The company also delivers premium charter and tourism services nationwide.

In 2025, Kinetic New Zealand was named an HRD 5-Star Employer of Choice, recognising its strong people-first culture and commitment to creating an exceptional place to work.

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