Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said about 8.10pm on Thursday the boy gained entry to the bus at Ocean View, started it up and then drove it from Brighton to Pine Hill, via Green Island and the Southern Motorway.
The door of the bus was left slightly open, allowing him to get in.
He started the keyless bus by pushing a button, Sgt Bond said.
"He has gone through the centre of Dunedin, taking the one-way system."
The boy sped, swerved in and out of traffic and hit four parked vehicles.
No-one was in any of the parked cars, and there were no injuries.
"He has been unable to control the bus and it has come to a stop on Pine Hill Rd, where he ran off, but a short time later was located by police."
Due to his age, the boy would not be charged, but was referred to Youth Aid.
Go Bus, the owners of the bus, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
