Auckland Harbour Highlights Cruise with Live Commentary

5.0 (2 verified reviews)

Viaduct marina buildings and the Sky Tower mirrored in glassy morning water

Auckland skyline and Sky Tower behind small yachts sailing on the harbour

Aerial view of the Harbour Bridge carrying traffic with the city skyline beyond

City skyline behind moored yachts and a bright green racing catamaran

Grey naval ship escorted by tugboats in front of the Harbour Bridge

About This Experience

This one-hour cruise is a recent listing from The Red Boats and has only two reviews so far, both five stars. It starts from $18 per person, the lowest price of any cruise on this site, and departs from 31 Westhaven Drive in Westhaven Marina, St Marys Bay, west of the Harbour Bridge approach.

The boat passes beneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge and crosses the Waitematā with views of the city skyline. The sights named in the listing are Rangitoto Island, the Devonport Naval Base, North Head, Bean Rock Lighthouse, the Chelsea Sugar Refinery and Westhaven Marina itself, with the skipper giving live commentary on the harbour's maritime history and local stories.

There is indoor seating, open viewing decks and toilets on board. A licensed café and bar sells drinks, coffee and light snacks, none of which are included in the fare.

It suits families with young children, travellers short on time and anyone who wants a first look at the harbour for the lowest price. The operator's established 90-minute sightseeing cruise costs $22, leaves from Z Pier and has a 4.4 rating from 145 reviews; it adds half an hour, with published legs of about 30 minutes past Rangitoto and 30 minutes around the bridge. Choose this one if an hour is all you have.

Bring a warm layer for the decks, even on a sunny day. Westhaven Marina is separate from the downtown ferry terminal, so give a taxi or Uber driver the Westhaven Drive address.

Highlights

One hour on the Waitematā Harbour, the shortest of the Red Boats cruises
Pass beneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Live commentary from the skipper on maritime history and local stories
See Rangitoto Island, the Devonport Naval Base, North Head and Bean Rock Lighthouse
Views of the Chelsea Sugar Refinery and the city skyline
The lowest-priced cruise on this site

What's Included

✓ One-hour sightseeing cruise from Westhaven Marina
✓ Live commentary by an experienced skipper
✓ Views of the Auckland skyline and waterfront landmarks
✓ Indoor seating
✓ Outdoor viewing decks
✓ Toilets on board

Not Included

Drinks, coffee and light snacks (sold at the onboard café and bar)
Transport to and from Westhaven Marina
Parking at Westhaven

What to Bring

A warm layer or windproof jacket
Sunscreen and a hat
A card for coffee or snacks on board
Camera or phone

Good to Know & Caveats

Departure is from 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, not the downtown ferry terminal on Quay Street.
It has only two guest reviews so far, both five stars.
Drinks, coffee and light snacks are sold on board and not included in the fare.
Decks are breezy on the open harbour, so bring warm clothing.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Not Suitable For

Wheelchair users

Meeting Point

The cruise departs from 31 Westhaven Drive in Westhaven Marina, St Marys Bay, west of the Harbour Bridge approach and not from the downtown ferry terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the $22 Harbour Sightseeing Cruise?

This cruise lasts one hour and leaves from 31 Westhaven Drive; the $22 cruise lasts 90 minutes, leaves from Z Pier and spends about 30 minutes each at Rangitoto and the Harbour Bridge. The $22 cruise has 145 reviews, while this one has two. Both include live commentary and sell food and drinks on board.

Does it have reviews?

Only a few. It has two reviews so far, both five stars; The Red Boats' longer sightseeing, sunset and Night Lights cruises on this site carry far more ratings.

Are there toilets on board?

Yes, the listing includes toilet facilities on board, along with indoor seating and outdoor decks.

Is anything to eat or drink included?

No. Drinks, coffee and light snacks are sold at the licensed onboard café and bar.

Is a one-hour cruise long enough?

It covers the Harbour Bridge and the main inner-harbour sights with commentary, which suits families and anyone short on time. If you want longer out by Rangitoto, the 90-minute sightseeing cruise gives you that for a few dollars more.