THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Swap city streets for a short maritime escape: sail from Westhaven Marina to The Riverhead for live music, tavern fare, and waterfront views. This roomy, family-friendly cruise combines commentary, a licensed bar, and a festive riverside stop—perfect for a relaxed half-day outing from Auckland.
Swap city streets for a short maritime escape: sail from Westhaven Marina to The Riverhead for live music, tavern fare, and waterfront views. This roomy, family-friendly cruise combines commentary, a licensed bar, and a festive riverside stop—perfect for a relaxed half-day outing from Auckland.
Book with The Riverhead
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Riverhead · Auckland, Auckland
The Red Boats - The Boat House offers a lively harbour cruise from Westhaven Marina to The Riverhead, a short sail across Auckland’s upper harbor that doubles as a social outing and local ritual. Meeting at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina. Pier Z (Beside Billfish Café), the ferry departs on roomy vessels with indoor seating and open decks for uninterrupted views. Each crossing takes roughly 1.5 hours, and the schedule gives you time ashore at The Riverhead — New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern — to climb the 55 steps to its lawn and function spaces, sample small plates, and listen to live summer music during Sunday Live.
On board the boats the mood is relaxed but organized: full commentary on the outward leg introduces the shoreline and local points of interest, while light background music accompanies the return trip. The vessels are licensed premises, so plan to buy drinks on board or ashore; EFTPOS can be patchy so bring cash for the bar. BYO is not permitted on the cruise or at The Riverhead, and public sailings exclude stag and hen parties. Families are welcome, but children must be supervised at all times.
Practical details shape the experience as much as the scenery. Access is tidal, so embarkation and time ashore follow a narrow high-tide window; most public sailings allow about two hours at The Riverhead. Group sizes are capped for comfort, and the boats provide both covered and open-air seating to suit sun or wind. The Riverhead’s lawn and the Boat House Function Centre offer a festive, informal setting for live sets and casual dining—expect refined tavern classics and shareable plates rather than formal table service.
Why this cruise stands out is its blend of transport and celebration: it’s not just a ferry, it’s a chance to cross water, land on a storied riverside venue, and return by sea with the city slipping behind you. For visitors staying in Auckland, the outing doubles as a short maritime escape without leaving the metropolitan area. Bring sensible footwear for the jetty and stairs, a light jacket for the breeze, and a readiness to trade city streets for salted air, seaside views, and a convivial riverside afternoon.
Arrive early to claim a seat on the outdoor bow if you want unobstructed panoramas of the shoreline and to photograph the boat at the jetty. Snacks, bar service are easily available on board and at The Riverhead, but note there is no table service on the lawn—order at the bar or the kitchen window. The public cruise operates with a maximum of 30 people per sailing to keep the experience personal; private charters and special events have different timings and durations, so check availability.
Each crossing is approximately 1.5 hours; most public sailings include about two hours ashore at The Riverhead.
Meet at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina. Pier Z (Beside Billfish Café).
No. BYO is not permitted on the Riverhead Cruise or at The Riverhead; licensed bar and snacks are available.
Yes, the vessel is child-friendly but children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
No. The Riverhead’s lawn and Boat House offer casual service; order at bars or kitchen windows rather than table service.
EFTPOS reception can be patchy; bring cash to ensure you can purchase drinks and snacks without delay.
The Riverhead is an Auckland-based operator offering scenic harbor cruises and ferry services to Riverhead, home to New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Featured on The Adventure Collective, The Riverhead runs a variety of short cruises aboard spacious vessels and historic wooden ferries, combining coastal scenery, lively commentary, and relaxed on-board service. Trips include Red Boats and Riverhead Ferry options that sail along Auckland’s historic harbour, passing Māori sites and early pioneers’ routes before docking at the tavern. Options visit The Landing restaurant, The Boat House, or The Portage Bar, with seasonal dishes, live summer music on selected sailings, and indoor and outdoor seating. Onboard amenities commonly include a licensed bar, snacks, and comfortable deck space suitable for families and groups. The Riverhead’s cruises emphasize accessibility and atmosphere: vessels offer indoor and outdoor areas, commentary highlights local history, and some sailings note a 1.5-hour duration. One landing involves a climb of 55 stairs to reach the tavern; shore access and facilities vary by trip. Safety and hospitality are supported by licensed on-board service and experienced crew familiar with Auckland’s upper harbour routes. Ideal for visitors seeking relaxed sightseeing, waterside dining, or social outings, The Riverhead provides straightforward, fact-based experiences rooted in local history and harbor scenery. Booking and schedule details are available through the operator’s listings and partners. Schedules, fares, and specific onboard services differ between trips; passengers should consult the operator listing or ticketing partner for current departure times, pricing, accessibility notes, and seasonal changes for planning and safety purposes.
Book with The Riverhead