THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard a historic wooden ferry at Westhaven Marina for a relaxed cruise to Riverhead and New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Expect live music on summer Sundays, local commentary from Captain Holger, and estuarine views that make this half-day feel like a proper escape from the city.
Step aboard a historic wooden ferry at Westhaven Marina for a relaxed cruise to Riverhead and New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Expect live music on summer Sundays, local commentary from Captain Holger, and estuarine views that make this half-day feel like a proper escape from the city.
Book with The Riverhead
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Riverhead · Auckland, Auckland
Board a characterful wooden ferry at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, and spend a sunlit afternoon cruising Auckland’s upper Waitematā Harbour to Riverhead, home to New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. The Riverhead Ferry runs aboard a 45ft vessel built in 1952, once known as the Kawau Isle; the boat’s varnished timbers and low, steady roll make passage itself part of the itinerary.
On the water the scene opens: mangrove-lined inlets, offshore oyster beds, and the low, folded sandstone ridges that define Auckland’s upper harbour. Captain Holger’s commentary brings the shoreline to life with local geography and maritime anecdotes while light background music smooths the return run. Expect a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, a licensed bar, snacks and toilets on board; BYO is not permitted.
Landing at The Riverhead involves a short climb—55 steps—up from the private dock to the Boat House Function Centre and the historic Riverhead Tavern. The tavern’s weatherboard façade and lawn host Sunday Live in summer, where local musicians fill the air and the menu offers tavern classics and curated small plates. There is no table service on public sailings, and access windows align with high tide, so timing the tide matters for smooth disembarkation.
This experience is special because it pairs transport and destination. The ferry preserves a slice of regional maritime history while delivering guests to a place that predates modern Auckland’s sprawl. Riverhead sits where freshwater creeks meet the harbour’s tidal reach, a transition zone rich in estuarine birdlife and coastal pōhutukawa and manuka framing the lawns. The upper harbour’s softer sandstone and siltstone contrasts with the volcanic cones that dominate central Auckland, giving the scenery a different, gentler profile worth exploring.
Practical notes: the crossing is approximately 1.5 hours each way and most public sailings include about a two hour stay ashore. Stairs at the landing and a minimal walking grade to the tavern mean the trip is not suitable for unsupervised mobility impairment. Groups should note a minimum booking of twenty people for charters.
For visitors based in Auckland, this cruise is an easy escape from the city’s traffic that feels transportive without being strenuous. It’s ideal for music-lovers, families seeking an uncomplicated day out, and anyone curious about regional maritime history. Book a summer Sunday for live music, or choose a quieter weekday crossing to drink in the harbor views and the slower rhythms of New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern.
Bring sunscreen, a light jacket, and a camera; tides and summer sun can both be sharp, and the best photos happen when light hits the low sandstone and the harbour glass calms. The Riverhead Ferry transforms a short trip into a memorable half-day anchored by music, history and salt air and memories.
No. BYO is not permitted on the Riverhead Cruise or at The Riverhead venues.
The ferry crossing is approximately 1.5 hours each way; public sailings generally include about a two hour stay ashore (total ~4–5 hours).
Meet at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina. Pier Z (Beside Billfish Café).
Yes. There are toilets and a licensed bar on board; The Riverhead serves tavern classics and small plates ashore (no table service on public sailings).
The cruise is child-friendly but children must be supervised at all times; be mindful of the stairs and tidal access at the dock.
Private charters typically require a minimum of 20 people—check with the operator for specific booking details.
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