Auckland Harbour Lunch Cruise with Buffet Lunch

About This Experience

The Red Boats run this lunch cruise from 31 Westhaven Drive in Westhaven Marina, St Marys Bay, west of the Harbour Bridge approach. It costs from $49 per person and has a 4.4 rating, though that comes from only five reviews, since the cruise is fairly new.

Over two hours and 15 minutes the boat crosses the Waitematā with views of the Harbour Bridge, the city skyline, Rangitoto Island, the Devonport Naval Base, North Head, Bean Rock Lighthouse and the Chelsea Sugar Refinery. The skipper provides live commentary on Auckland's maritime history and the landmarks as you pass.

Lunch is a buffet of seasonal dishes made with New Zealand ingredients. After eating, most people head out to the viewing decks for photos. Drinks are not included: the licensed café and bar sells barista coffee, local wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks.

It suits friends catching up, family celebrations and visitors who want the harbour and a sit-down meal in daylight. For an evening version with the city lights, the Red Boats buffet dinner cruise runs half an hour longer. If you want lunch ashore, the Riverhead cruise sails up the river to a historic tavern, where you buy your own meal.

The early reviews praise the crew, commentary and food, though one guest found the boat crowded, so board early if you want a window table. Bring a warm layer for the decks.

Highlights

• Buffet lunch of seasonal dishes made with New Zealand ingredients
• Two hours and 15 minutes on the harbour in daylight
• Views of the Harbour Bridge, city skyline and Rangitoto Island
• Pass the Devonport Naval Base, North Head and Bean Rock Lighthouse
• Live commentary from the skipper on Auckland's maritime history
• Open viewing decks for photos after lunch

What's Included

• ✓ Harbour cruise of two hours and 15 minutes from Westhaven Marina
• ✓ Buffet lunch
• ✓ Live commentary by an experienced skipper
• ✓ Views of the Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto and the Chelsea Sugar Refinery
• ✓ Indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks
• ✓ Access to the licensed café and bar (drinks extra)

Not Included

• Drinks from the café and bar
• Transport to and from Westhaven Marina
• Parking at Westhaven

What to Bring

• A warm layer for the decks
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A card for drinks and coffee
• Photo ID if you plan to buy alcohol
• Camera or phone

Good to Know & Caveats

• Departure is from 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, not the downtown ferry terminal on Quay Street.
• Drinks, including coffee, are not included; the licensed café and bar sells them on board.
• The rating is based on only five reviews so far.
• The buffet is seasonal, so contact the operator in advance about dietary requirements.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

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.