SuperGold concession for seniors
Find out how SuperGold cardholders can get discounted fares on public transport in Auckland.
On this page
New Zealand residents with a SuperGold card are eligible for the SuperGold concession. This gives you free travel on most buses, trains and ferries:
- after 9am on weekdays
- all day on weekends
- all day on public holidays.
Travel outside these times is charged at the full adult rate.
For the most up to date prices, visit bus and train fares, and ferry fares.
The SuperGold concession is only available with a registered gold AT HOP card. You must tag on and off with your registered gold AT HOP card, even when travelling for free.
Who is eligible for discounted SuperGold fares
New Zealand residents over 65 years of age who have a SuperGold card are eligible for the SuperGold concession. Foreign visitors and non-residents are not eligible.
The SuperGold card is a government-funded support scheme for Kiwi seniors. Once your New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension has been granted, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will send you a SuperGold card.
The SuperGold card gives you discounts on public transport and at businesses throughout New Zealand. Find out more about the SuperGold card.
Choose how you’ll apply
There are three steps to getting the SuperGold discount. You need to:
- buy a gold AT HOP card
- register your gold AT HOP card
- apply for the SuperGold concession.
There are three ways to get this done: online, in person at a customer service centre, or by post. Some methods may take longer than others.
Online
Can’t order gold AT HOP card – this must be done in person
Can register a gold AT HOP card
Can apply for the concession
Takes 1 to 3 days
In person
Can buy a gold AT HOP card
Can register a gold AT HOP card
Can apply for the concession
Takes 10 to 20 minutes
By post
Can order a gold AT HOP card
Can register a gold AT HOP card
Can apply for a concession
Takes 7 to 10 days
Apply online for the SuperGold concession (4 steps)
Before you start
You’ll need:
- a SuperGold card
- a gold AT HOP card, registered to your MyAT account
- photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
- an email address.
Before you can apply for the SuperGold concession online, you need to buy and register a gold AT HOP card.
You can only buy a gold AT HOP card in person at a customer service centre or selected retailers. You must bring your SuperGold card to prove you are eligible to purchase a gold AT HOP card.
These cost $5 (non-refundable) and must be loaded with a minimum of $1 credit.
If you already have a registered blue AT HOP card, you can exchange it for a gold AT HOP card at one of our customer service centres.
Find a retailer or customer service centre near you (opens in a new tab).
Apply for the concession
- In MyAT, select ‘Apply for a concession’.
- Choose ‘SuperGold’ from the concession type list.
- Choose which card to apply the concession to.
- Attach a photo of the back of your SuperGold card showing your client number.
- Attach a photo of an approved photo ID.
- Select ‘Submit’.
If you don’t have photo ID, check our list of other accepted proof of identity documents.
Wait for confirmation
Our team will process your application - this could take up to 3 business days. If you use your card in the meantime, you will pay full adult fares.
Tag on to activate your concession
You’ll receive an email confirmation once your concession is ready to use. To activate it, tag on to the HOP reader or electronic gate on any bus, train or ferry.
If you do not tag on within 60 days of setting up your concession, it will expire and your card will revert to adult fares. If this happens, contact us and we can reactivate your concession for you.
Apply in person for the SuperGold concession (3 steps)
Before you start
This is the fastest way to get your concession, if you can travel to one of our customer service centres.
You’ll need:
- a SuperGold card
- photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.
Find your local customer service centre on this map (opens in a new tab).
In-person applications can only be processed at customer service centres. You cannot apply for a SuperGold concession at a retailer, because we do not share our private database with retailers.
If you don’t have photo ID, check our list of other accepted proof of identity documents.
Visit a customer service centre
Visit our team at your nearest customer service centre. You can buy your gold AT HOP card, register it, and load the concession all in one visit.
Activate your concession
To activate your concession, tag on to your chosen bus, train, or ferry within 60 days.
If you do not tag on within 60 days of setting up your concession, it will expire and your card will revert to adult fares. If this happens, contact us and we can reactivate your concession for you.
Apply by post for the SuperGold concession (4 steps)
Before you start
This is the best method for seniors who live outside of Auckland or don’t have an email address.
You’ll need:
- a SuperGold card
- photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
- a printer.
Print and complete the application form
SuperGold concession application form (PDF 104KB).
Make sure you fill in all the details.
Attach a photocopy of the back of your SuperGold card showing your client number, and a form of photo ID. Please do not include originals.
If you don’t have photo ID, check our list of other accepted proof of identity documents.
Send it to the address printed on the bottom of the form.
Wait for delivery of your AT HOP card
We’ll send you a gold AT HOP card loaded with the SuperGold concession ready to use. This could take up to 10 working days.
Tag on to activate your concession
To activate your concession tag on to your chosen bus, train or ferry within 60 days. If you don’t tag on within this time, your concession will expire and you’ll need to apply again.
Important things to know
If your card gets lost or damaged
If your HOP card is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can cancel it online using MyAT, in person at a customer service centre, or by phone by calling (09) 366 4467.
Your concession is attached to your HOP card, not your account. This means you’ll need to contact us to transfer your concession and any remaining balance onto your new card.
Find out how to cancel a card and transfer the balance.
Carry your SuperGold card with you
A Transport Officer may ask you to show your valid SuperGold card to prove your eligibility for the concession.
When are discounted fares available?
Seniors can travel free:
- after 9am Monday to Friday
- all day on weekends
- all day on public holidays.
You still need to tag on and off with your AT HOP card to get the free fare. If you tag on before 9am, you will be charged the adult fare from your HOP credit.
This applies to:
- all trains except inter-regional rail services
- all bus services except inter-regional coach, tour, and charter services
- all ferry services except Waiheke Island and Rakino Island services.
Adding credit to your HOP card
If you plan on using your HOP card outside of concession hours, you will need to have credit available to tag on and off. For example, if you need to get to an early morning appointment.
Learn more about adding credit to your AT HOP card.
If you’re eligible for multiple concessions
You can only hold one concession per card. This means if you’re eligible for another concession, for example Tertiary student or Community Connect, you’ll need to load that concession onto a separate AT HOP card.
This way you can take advantage of each concession at different times of day as needed. Both cards must be registered and have their own concessions applied.
Learn more about different concession types.
Expiry
Your senior concession expires after six years, or when your SuperGold card expires, whichever is first. You can contact us to order a replacement card at no charge.
Using the card outside of Auckland
You cannot use your AT HOP card outside of Auckland. However, your SuperGold card provides discounts on public transport, products and services throughout New Zealand.
Visit the SuperGold website for more information (opens in a new tab).
Information for seniors from outside of Auckland
The SuperGold concession is a government-funded initiative. International visitors are not eligible for this concession.
New Zealand residents over 65 years old with a SuperGold card are eligible to apply for a SuperGold concession. If you are visiting Auckland from another part of New Zealand, you can apply for a SuperGold concession when you arrive in Auckland.
Check ‘Choose how you’ll apply’ to find the method that works best for you.