In Aotearoa/New Zealand, there is government directive and community support to focus on health equity in research and health promotion. Culturally responsive policies and services are expected. The purpose of this research is to describe Māori and Pacific adolescents’ perceptions of different modes of transport to school (walking, cycling, busing and being driven/driving) rather than to compare perceptions between different ethnic groups through a deficit lens which is commonplace. Reporting findings in this way is so that equitable approaches to policy, and initiatives for active transportation to school can be considered. This study analysed data from adolescents (age 13 to 18 years) (n = 3608) who completed an online survey at school as part of the BEATS Research Programme in the city of Dunedin, New Zealand. In addition, four focus groups were conducted with Māori and Pacific adolescents. Overwhelmingly, adolescents across all ethnic groups had similar perceptions of walking, cycling, being driven/driving and busing to school. This similarity means that a whole of population approach to policy would be sufficient when combined with good quality overarching cultural responsiveness imbedded to support equity for Māori and Pacific adolescents. Findings specific to Māori and to Pacific adolescents are reported which will enable policy makers to consider additional cultural nuances in the active transport space.