The Waka Ora Health Shuttle is a koha (donation) based community service, delivered by volunteers, that transports people to health and wellbeing related appointments, and then brings them home again.

koha-based community service 

The Waka Ora Health Shuttle is a donation-supported service run by volunteers that helps people get to health and wellbeing appointments — and back home again. 

Each year, more than 10,000 people use the Health Shuttle for over 70,000 appointments across Aotearoa. 

 

 health shuttle driver with passenger

 

How it works 

We’ll arrange to pick you up from your home (or a nearby meeting point), take you to your appointment, and bring you home again. 

The Health Shuttle makes it easier to stay independent — no need to miss essential appointments or rely on friends and whānau taking time off work. Our service is especially valuable if you don’t drive, have limited public transport where you live, or can’t rely on taxis. 

Some of our shuttles are fitted with hoists or wheelchair access to support passengers with limited mobility. 

For more information on how our shuttles operate check out the Waka Ora Health Shuttle Passenger Guide. 

Friendly volunteers you can count on 

Our volunteers are the heart of Waka Ora. They’re fully trained to make sure your trip is safe, but they also provide something extra: kindness, companionship, and a strong sense of connection 

Book a shuttle

Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3pm. We are closed on public holidays. For any questions, please contact us directly.

To find out if there is a Waka Ora Health Shuttle in your area, email us, or call us on 0800 WAKA ORA (0800 9252 672). 

Questions

Is there a Health Shuttle service near me?

Probably! We currently operate in over 62 communities across Aotearoa. 

You can find your nearest shuttle in the table below or contact us on 0800 WAKA ORA (0800 9252 672). 

Region 

Location 

Contact 

Northland 

Bay of Islands 

Russell 

Kaikohe 

North Hokianga 

Whangārei 

0800 401 131 

  

  

  

Auckland  

East Auckland  

West Auckland 

South Auckland 

0800 925 2672 

Hauraki - Coromandel 

Thames 

Waihi 

Paeroa 

Whangamatā 
Mercury Bay 

0800 934 287 

Waikato 

Hamilton 

Cambridge 

Otorohanga 

Tokoroa 

0800 846 9992 

Bay of Plenty, 

Lakes & 

Central Plateau 

Matakaoa  

Ōpōtiki  

Rotorua 

Taupō 

Tauranga 

Te Puke 

Waihau Bay 

Whakatāne  

Tikitiki  

0800 824 325 

Hawke’s Bay 

Hastings 

Napier 

Māhia  

Pōrangahau 

Waipukurau  

Wairoa 

0800 424 778 

Taranaki  

Marton 

Taranaki 

Waimarino 

Whanganui 

0800 266 547 

Manawatū 

Feilding 

Palmerston North  

0800 323 565 

Wairarapa & Wellington catchment 

Wairarapa 

Pahiatua 

Dannevirke  

Otaki 

0800 589 630 

South Island 

Aoraki 

Ashburton 

Central Otago 

Christchurch 

Dunedin 

Hokonui 

Kawatiri 

Marlborough 

Motueka  

Northern Southland 

Nelson 

North Canterbury 

Southland 

Invercargill 

Western Southland 

Wakatipu 

West Coast 

Winton 

0800 103 046 

How do I know if the Health Shuttle service is right for me?

You can check out the Waka Ora Health Shuttle Passenger Guide for more information about our Health Shuttle service.  

How do I book a health shuttle?

Call 0800 WAKA ORA (0800 9252 672) 

If we can’t answer straight away, please leave a message and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. 

When are shuttles available?

Most services run Monday to Friday, but this depends on the number of vehicles and volunteers in your area. The best way to check availability is to give us a call. 

How far in advance do I have to book?

It’s best to book as soon as you know you have an appointment. Many services are booked up in advance. 

Can I book regular trips?

Yes. If you have repeat appointments, you can make bookings in advance. Our administrators will talk you through what’s possible. 

Are there plans to expand your service?

Yes. We’re committed to supporting more communities across Aotearoa. Because our service is powered by local volunteers, community support is key to growing. 

Who pays for the service?

The Health Shuttle is funded by koha (donations) from passengers, local community contributions, and the generosity of whānau who support us. 

How can I support the Health Shuttle service?

You can help by donating to the Waka Ora Health Shuttle programme. Every koha helps people with health or mobility challenges get to essential health care appointments. 

Can I volunteer?

Yes! Many communities rely on the Health Shuttle, and our volunteers provide not only transport but also friendly companionship. As a volunteer driver or assistant, you’ll: 

  • Give back to your community 

  • Support local people in need 

  • Help make your community healthier and more connected 

Donate to the Health Shuttle service