Google Maps is genuinely useful. This is not a story about a bad map. It is a story about the little things we still wished our map could do — and the small world we wanted to bring along for the ride.
“I wish my map had told me that before I got here.”
It started with an ordinary drive in New Zealand. One of us was still learning the local roads, missed the significance of a bus lane, and ended up with a fine. It was frustrating — and, looking back, a little funny. But it raised a genuine question.
Our map knew the destination and the route. Could it also help us notice the things that matter along the way? A camera coming up. A bus lane with particular operating hours. A road closure that changes the next decision.
We did not need another app to shout instructions at us. We wanted one that could make the unfamiliar feel a little less unfamiliar. That curiosity became Waybi.
Not a checklist of features Google forgot. Three beliefs about what a journey can feel like.
In a new city, small local rules can be easy to miss. We are building clearer reminders for things such as fixed safety cameras, bus-lane rules and reported road events where dependable data exists. Helpful context, not a promise that every road is covered.
A great market leader does not mean everyone wants the same experience. Waze is a reminder that different navigation habits matter. Some people want more road awareness, others want a gentler interface. We are building for those preferences, not trying to win every feature comparison.
A route ends when you arrive. A good journey can stay with you. Meet Waybi, Clover and Sett — a small, character-filled world with tiny adventures and keepsakes inspired by your travels. Your map helps with the drive; your companions make it feel personal.
Google Maps is a remarkably capable product, and we respect the work behind it. It solves an enormous problem for millions of people. We use it ourselves. We are not claiming that Waybi has better directions, more places or more complete coverage everywhere.
We just believe there is still room to care about different things. A map can be excellent at finding the fastest route and still leave people wanting more context, reassurance, personality or delight. Waybi starts from that gap.
The world does not need every map to feel the same. Sometimes what you need is not a new road — just a new way to travel it.— The thinking behind Waybi
Waybi is our curious little kiwi bird. Clover prefers a sunny spot by the window. Sett is always ready for another walk. Together, they have a life beyond the next turn.
That part is inspired by the cosy feeling of games where a little companion goes on adventures and comes back with stories. We wanted a similar sense of warmth in a travel app — without making you play a game while driving.
Complete a journey, collect a small country-themed keepsake, and visit their little world when you are parked or back home. Getting somewhere is practical. Feeling connected to the journey is something else.
Explore Waybi & Friends ↗
Camera, lane and traffic coverage depends on local data. A missing warning never means a road restriction does not exist. Road signs and local laws always come first.
Driving information should be quick to understand. Character interactions and souvenirs belong outside moments when you need to focus on the road.
New Zealand is where our road-awareness work began. We are building a navigation experience for journeys beyond NZ, with location-specific features growing only where reliable sources allow.
Because people have different needs. We admire Google Maps, but wanted more attention to local road reminders and a distinctive sense of companionship. That is a reason to build something different, not to claim everything else is worse.
No. Coverage is not universal, data changes and road signs take precedence. NZ fixed-camera reminders are one of our starting points; lane and incident information varies by location and confidence. Waybi is a driving aid, never a substitute for the law or your judgement.
No. Waybi aims to support journeys worldwide, while independent map detail, routing, road events and special lane information vary by region and provider. We are building outward from New Zealand rather than pretending our coverage is equally deep everywhere.
They should not. The navigation screen prioritises guidance and road awareness. The cosy companion experience — exploration, collecting and visiting their home — is designed for before or after the drive.
A clearer look at the road ahead, and a few friends waiting when you arrive.
Explore Waybi ↗