A South Auckland bus driver is recovering in hospital after being stabbed in front of passengers.

A Counties Manukau DHB spokesman says the man is in a stable condition after taking a knife to the stomach and neck.

The driver was stabbed while working the 361 route for Murphy Buses on Browns Rd in Manurewa yesterday evening.

Senior Sergeant Steve Meade said quick work by police helped prevent the injuries becoming more serious.

READ MORE: Two arrested over stabbing of bus driver

Passengers on the bus were being spoken to and would be offered support, he said.

A 15-year-old and a 20-year-old were arrested at a nearby address and will appear in the Manukau Youth Court and District Court today.

Police are continuing to investigate the attack.