Auckland River Cruise to the Historic Riverhead Tavern

About This Experience

Of the Red Boats cruises on this site, this is the one that leaves the main harbour behind. It departs from Z Pier in Westhaven Marina, St Marys Bay, passes under the Harbour Bridge and heads north-west up the upper Waitematā to Riverhead. It has a 4.5 rating from 19 reviews and costs from $24 per person for the return cruise.

The trip up takes about an hour and a half, with live commentary from the skipper as the city gives way to quiet waterways, native bush and riverside communities, passing the Chelsea Sugar Refinery on the way. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and the licensed bar sells drinks and snacks.

At Riverhead you get about 2.5 hours at The Riverhead, which has been trading since 1857 and calls itself New Zealand's oldest riverside tavern. Lunch and drinks there are at your own expense, and the operator says a table booking is essential if you want a meal. Recent guests praise the setting and the food. The cruise back takes another 90 minutes, so allow about five and a half hours for the day.

It suits relaxed day-trippers, couples and small groups who want a longer, quieter cruise with a pub lunch at the end. It is not a good fit for anyone with limited mobility: there are 55 steps up from the wharf to the tavern. For a meal served on board, the Red Boats lunch cruise includes a buffet.

Sailings are tidal, so times change from day to day and the trip needs at least five passengers to run. If the tide or numbers rule a sailing out, you will be offered another departure or a full refund. The crew meet guests at the start of Z Pier; bring a warm jacket for the return leg.

Highlights

• About 2.5 hours at The Riverhead, trading since 1857 and billed as NZ's oldest riverside tavern
• Cruise the sheltered upper Waitematā, away from the busy main harbour
• Pass beneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Chelsea Sugar Refinery
• Live commentary from the skipper on the way up the river
• Native bush, quiet waterways and riverside communities on the 90-minute trip up
• A different view of the harbour on the return leg

What's Included

• ✓ Return cruise from Z Pier to Riverhead, about 1.5 hours each way
• ✓ Live commentary from the local skipper
• ✓ About 2.5 hours of free time at The Riverhead
• ✓ Cruise through the upper Waitematā beneath the Harbour Bridge
• ✓ Indoor and outdoor seating
• ✓ Access to the licensed onboard bar (purchases extra)

Not Included

• Lunch and drinks at The Riverhead
• Drinks and snacks bought on board
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Parking at Z Pier (pay and display)

What to Bring

• A warm jacket for the return cruise
• Money or a card for lunch at the tavern
• Comfortable shoes for the 55 steps up to The Riverhead
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Camera or phone

Good to Know & Caveats

• Lunch is not included. Book a table at The Riverhead in advance if you want a meal there.
• Sailings are tidal, so departure times change and can be adjusted; check your ticket.
• A minimum of five passengers is needed; otherwise you are offered another departure or a full refund.
• There are 55 steps from the wharf up to The Riverhead, so the trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
• Departure is from Z Pier, Westhaven Marina, not the downtown ferry terminal; the crew meet guests at the start of Z Pier.
• Pay-and-display parking at Z Pier is about NZ$4 an hour.

Meeting Point

The crew meet guests at the start of Z Pier in Westhaven Marina, St Marys Bay, west of the Harbour Bridge approach and not at the downtown ferry terminal.