THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard at Westhaven Marina for a 1.5-hour harbour cruise that ends with lunch at The Riverhead—New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Enjoy commentary, wide water views, and seasonal dishes on cascading decks.
Step aboard at Westhaven Marina for a 1.5-hour harbour cruise that ends with lunch at The Riverhead—New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Enjoy commentary, wide water views, and seasonal dishes on cascading decks.
Book with The Riverhead
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Operated by The Riverhead · Auckland, Auckland
The Red Boats' Riverhead crossing is an easygoing harbor cruise from Westhaven Marina in Auckland to The Riverhead, New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Boarding is at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina (Pier Z, beside Billfish Café), and the ferry spends about 1.5 hours each way cutting up the upper Waitematā Harbor toward the estuary where the restaurant perches above tidal mudflats and native pōhutukawa-lined slopes.
On deck, the city slips behind you—Auckland’s skyline shrinking beneath the Harbour Bridge—while the vessel’s commentary traces working wharves, hidden bays and the geology of the coastline: sandstone and siltstone shelves, mangrove fringes and long tidal channels carved by the river. Vessels are roomy with indoor seating, two toilets and a licensed bar; snacks are available, and light music eases the return. Note that EFTPOS is intermittent aboard so bring cash for drinks.
The approach to The Riverhead is scenically specific: guests land on a tidal jetty and climb 55 steps to reach The Landing restaurant and Portage Bar, which offer cascading decks and panoramic outlooks over the upper harbour. The Landing serves seasonal, regionally sourced dishes—ideal after a slow waterborne commute—while the Portage Bar provides casual table service and a private room suits groups up to 20.
Be aware that access windows are dependent on tides; the public cruise typically includes about a two-hour stay ashore but private charters may differ.
This cruise is both a transportive meal-and-view experience and a tidy way to sample Auckland’s marine edge. Families are welcome (children must be supervised), but the operator does not allow BYO and stag/hen parties are restricted on public sailings. The trip doubles as a micro-lesson in local ecology and maritime history: the estuary supports mangrove stands and wading birds; historic river traffic and ferries shaped settlement patterns along the banks.
Practical matters matter here: the vessel runs to a schedule, spaces are capped at 30 passengers, and the boat is a licensed premises—respect house rules. Large groups should prebook; accessibility is limited by the 55-step climb at Riverhead.
For photographers and diners both, the reward is immediate: broad water views, layered coastal vegetation, and a restaurant that puts the harbour’s produce center stage. For travelers wanting an easy half-day escape from Auckland’s center that combines a scenic ride, light interpretation, and a memorable meal, The Red Boats – The Landing Restaurant delivers a distinctive regional outing.
Book a seat early in summer weekends; expect panoramic sunset reflections, and if you prefer quieter passages aim for weekday sailings or shoulder seasons. Staff can advise on tide windows and seating options; mention mobility concerns when booking. Bring layered clothing, a camera, and an appetite—this crossing rewards patience with genuine coastal character and locally sourced food.
The ferry takes approximately 1.5 hours each way, with a typical public stay ashore of about two hours.
Meet at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, Pier Z (beside Billfish Café) for boarding.
There is a licensed bar and snacks available on the vessel, but BYO is not permitted and cash is recommended.
Yes—vessels are child-friendly but children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Access onshore involves 55 steps from the jetty to the restaurant, so accessibility is limited; contact the operator to discuss needs.
No—BYO is prohibited for both the boat and The Riverhead, and stag/hen parties are not permitted on public sailings.
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