A legacy in motion.
Built on service.
Pavlovich Coachlines has grown from a single bus serving local school children into a nationwide provider of charter, tour and urban transport services.
That very first bus, a former army chiller van, was bought in 1938 by Waikato father Marco Pavlovich, who wanted to get his six children safely to school through dusty rural roads.
All these years later that determination to provide the best and safest transport experience guides our services still.
From humble beginnings [1930s, 40s, 50s]
Pavlovich Coachlines began as M. Pavlovich & Sons Ltd. The family’s early commitment to community set the tone for decades to come. The business soon expanded into secondary school routes, church groups, and other local transport needs.
Expanding Horizons [1960s–1980s]
In the 1960s we were among the first in New Zealand to offer deluxe package bus tours to the South Island, marking the company’s first step into tourism. Strategic fleet investments enabled high-quality touring experiences for domestic and international travellers.- Through the 1970s and 1980s, the company grew steadily, strengthening its reputation for professional, reliable charter and tour services.
- Weekend tours and ski trips helped cement Pavlovich’s place in New Zealand tourism.
Urban transport [1990s–2000s]
From the 1990s Marco’s son Ivan and grandson Bernard led strategic growth and by the turn of the millennium in 1999 Pavlovich had secured its first Auckland City Bus contract, marking its expansion into urban transport.
Getting fit for the future [2025 and Beyond)
In 2025, Pavlovich joined the Ritchies transport portfolio, remaining a stand-alone brand while gaining the benefits of new technology and fleet investment.
Looking ahead
From tourism to public transport solutions, at Pavlovich we are embracing technological innovation, environmental sustainability and evolving customer needs — continuing a legacy that began with one family’s vision for safe, reliable travel.
