Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Waitemata Harbour

Explore the coast on a 6-hour ferry journey

Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 48 hours in advance

3.9 / 5 (207)

Scenic Riverhead Tavern Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing cruise through Auckland’s upper Waitematā Harbour aboard one of The Red Boats’ heritage wooden vessels. Departing from Westhaven Marina in downtown Auckland, the Riverhead Cruise takes you on a scenic journey up the harbour and river to The Riverhead, New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Sit back and enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise each way, complete with historical commentary, beautiful views, and plenty of photo opportunities along the way. A licensed bar is available onboard, with food and drinks available for purchase once you arrive at the tavern. Please note, tickets include the return ferry trip only.

From: NZ$43.00

Per Person

6 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

Highlights

Cruise to New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern
Iconic Harbour Bridge and stunning Auckland river views
Optional award winning food at the Tavern
Historic commentary on board and liscenced bar
5.5 hour Historic ferry adventure

Full Description

Experience the scenic beauty and rich maritime history of Auckland’s waterways on The Red Boats’ Riverhead Cruise. Departing from Z Pier at Westhaven Marina, this relaxing journey travels through the upper Waitematā Harbour aboard one of our heritage wooden vessels, following the historic routes once used by sailing ships, scows, and working boats.

As we leave the city behind, you’ll cruise under Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge and pass well-known landmarks including the Chelsea Sugar Refinery, Kauri Point, Herald Island, Brighams Creek, and Harkins Point. Along the way, enjoy informative commentary sharing stories of the harbour, ...

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Includes

Snacks and Drinks Available for Purchase

Meeting Point

Our friendly crew will meet the guests at the ICERBOY located at the start of Z Pier Marina.

The Address is Z Pier, 31 Westhaven Marina Drive, St Marys Bay, 1011

Please arrive 15 mins prior to departure.

If using a taxi please tell the driver the drop off point is Z Pier.

Additional Information

Pay and Display Parking is available at Z Pier Carpark
Parking information:
https://www.westhaven.co.nz/z-pier/general-information/parking-at-z-pier/

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before activity starts.

Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

Terms

Terms & Conditions

Bookings

All bookings are subject to availability and are only confirmed once payment has been received or the booking has been confirmed through an approved booking platform.

Cancellation Policy

We have a 24-hour cancellation policy for all cruises. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure may not be eligible for a refund or reschedule.

Weather & Safety

All cruises are weather dependent. If weather or sea conditions are deemed unsafe or unsuitable, the cruise will not proceed.

The safety of passengers, crew, and vessel is our priority, and the final decision to operate or cancel a cruise will be made by the skipper or operator.

If a cruise is cancelled due to weather or safety concerns, guests will be offered the option to reschedule or receive a refund.

Minimum Passenger Numbers

Some cruises are subject to minimum passenger numbers.

If the minimum numbers are not met, we may need to reschedule or cancel the cruise. In this case, guests will be contacted and offered the option to reschedule or receive a refund.

Refunds & Rescheduling

Refunds or rescheduling may be offered where a cruise is cancelled by the operator due to weather, safety concerns, or minimum number requirements.

Refunds may not be provided for no-shows, late arrivals, or cancellations made within 24 hours of departure.

Arrival Time

Guests must arrive at the departure point on time. Late arrival may result in missing the cruise, and refunds may not be provided in this situation.

Alcohol & Behaviour

Guests must follow all crew instructions while onboard. We reserve the right to refuse boarding or remove any guest whose behaviour is unsafe, disruptive, intoxicated, or abusive.

No refunds will be provided where a guest is refused boarding or removed due to inappropriate behaviour.

Changes to Cruises

Cruise routes, timings, vessels, and onboard offerings may be subject to change due to weather, operational requirements, safety concerns, or circumstances outside of our control.

Passenger Responsibility

Passengers are responsible for their own personal belongings while onboard. We are not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.

By booking a cruise, guests agree to these Terms & Conditions.

From

NZ$43.00

Per Person

6 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

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Z Pier, Westhaven Marina, 1010

Riverhead Cruise - Public Ferry to Riverhead

The Cruise: Our fantastic boat cruise departs Z pier Westhaven marina at Westhaven Marina Auckland, and stops by Birkenhead wharf before venturing into the beautiful sheltered, uncharted waterways of the upper Waitemata harbour, where we retrace the footsteps and history of early sailing ships and scows that once traded these waters. The ferry trip to The Riverhead – historic tavern takes 1.5 hours,and we spend 2.5 hours at The Riverhead for dining. We have a fully licensed bar on board and an informative commentary is given throughout the cruise.Departing from Westhaven Auckland: we leave the city behind and cruise into the sheltered untouched waters of Auckland’s upper Waitemata harbour. We cruise under Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, Past the Chelsea Sugar Refinery, Kauri Point, and Hearald Island, into the uncharted waters of the Upper Harbour estuary while enjoying a informative on board commentary and a few drinks from our on board bar.We then continue on past Riverlea, Brighams creek, and Harkins Point, until after an hour and a half cruising, we arrive at The award winning Riverhead – a Historic Tavern.Once at Riverhead we then head ashore and enjoy a fantastic meal and a few drinks, in one of the oldest most prestigious riverside taverns in New Zealand. After a couple of hours enjoying the fine dining and waterside scenery at The Riverhead, we then join the Vessel again where we enjoy the fantastic scenery of Auckland’s upper harbour while heading back to Auckland on board the Vessel.The Riverhead – an Historic Tavern

The Riverhead has been a house of refreshment and conviviality for around 150 years. In that time it has seen many events and stories come and go, countryfolk and townspeople, fishermen and farmers, smugglers and clergymen, marauding riders of the night through to social visits from the local constabulary. All have played their part in giving The Riverhead a rich stable of stories befitting the oldest riverside tavern in New Zealand. At the Riverhead, there are four great venues able to accommodate any need for your entertainment.Food at The Riverhead

Click here to View the Riverhead Menus

The chef has developed a menu to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you prefer tender top quality steak, gourmet pizza, or fresh gastro fare, its all available with an extensive wine list that features local product and specialties from New Zealand’s finest wine districts. Once again the decor celebrates the old, with clean and simple lines of the new, while the extensive decks surrounded by the 100 year old oak trees have the best view in the west. Click here to find out more about The Riverhead.Note: The Riverhead Cruise is tidal and our departure times are based around this. Please see our timetable for Public ferry dates and departure times

Duration: 6 Hours

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You will receive your ticket by email straight away. The activity provider will contact you if there are availability issues so you can arrange a different time or day, or receive a full refund.
In the event that you do not receive an email from us, please check your spam folder or notify us via email.
You can cancel for free up to 48 hours before the day of the experience, local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are meals or snacks included on the cruise?

No, meals are not included in the cruise fare. However, passengers can purchase snacks, tea, and coffee from the onboard bar. Additionally, there is a licensed bar offering a selection of drinks.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

yes, it is suitable for children too.

Are there restroom facilities on board?

Yes, The Red Boats vessels are equipped with standard household flush toilets, ensuring comfort for all passengers during the cruise.

What should I bring with me on the cruise?

It is advisable to bring personal items, a camera, life jackets, cash and so on.

Are life jackets and safety equipment provided?

Yes, life jackets and safety equipment are provided.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before the activity starts.

Is there a minimum number of travelers required, and what happens if it isn’t met?

Yes, there is a minimum number of travelers required. If the minimum isn’t met and we need to cancel, we will offer an alternative date, a different experience, or a full refund.

What happens if it rains or the bad weather on that day ?

Poor weather means cancellation or rescheduling, with a full refund offered if conditions are unsafe.

What should I wear for the cruise tour?

You are advised to wear a smart casual dress and comfortable shoes or slippers.