An Auckland Transport webpage says payments using a credit or debit card, or a smartphone or smartwatch, will be accepted from Sunday 17 November. Payments using an AT hop card will still be accepted.

Cash is not accepted on Auckland Transport buses, so visitors should purchase an AT HOP card which is sold at various retailers and online for NZ$5 (roughly $3). Adult bus fares start from NZ$1 ...

Tourists will need to purchase a HOP card at the Auckland or Waiheke Island ferry terminal and load credit to ride buses on the island. Visitors can also take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off bus ...