Auckland Wine and Cheese Harbour Cruise

About This Experience

The Red Boats run this wine and cheese cruise daily from Z Pier in Westhaven Marina, St Marys Bay, west of the Harbour Bridge approach. It has a 4.4 rating from 18 reviews and costs from $36 per person.

The cruise lasts 90 minutes and passes the Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island, Bean Rock Lighthouse and the city skyline, with live commentary from the crew on Auckland's history, maritime heritage and waterfront landmarks. Background music plays through the cruise, and you can sit in the indoor lounge or out on the open decks.

Each guest gets a cheese and charcuterie box with cheeses, cured meats, crackers and accompaniments, and one complimentary glass of New Zealand wine, local beer or a soft drink. Further drinks and light snacks are sold at the licensed bar. Alcohol can only be bought on board, and anyone who looks under 25 needs photo ID.

It suits couples and friends who want a snack and a drink with their harbour views without committing to a full meal. It costs more than the $22 sightseeing cruise, which includes no food, and less than the lunch and dinner buffets. Recent reviewers call the platter generous, though one found the seating uncomfortable and another found boarding a little confusing.

Tickets are limited, so book ahead. The crew meet guests at the Z Pier gate; if you take a taxi or Uber, ask for Z Pier drop-off. Bring a warm jacket, because it gets cool on the water.

Highlights

• Cheese and charcuterie box with cured meats, crackers and accompaniments
• One glass of New Zealand wine, local beer or soft drink to go with it
• Views of the Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island and Bean Rock Lighthouse
• Live commentary from the crew on Auckland's maritime history
• 90 minutes on the water with background music
• Indoor lounge and open decks with a licensed bar

What's Included

• ✓ 90-minute cruise on the Waitematā Harbour from Z Pier
• ✓ Cheese and charcuterie box
• ✓ One glass of New Zealand wine, local beer or soft drink
• ✓ Live commentary from the local crew
• ✓ Background music throughout
• ✓ Indoor and outdoor seating with access to the licensed bar

Not Included

• Additional food and drinks
• Transport to and from the departure point
• Parking at Z Pier (pay and display)

What to Bring

• A warm jacket
• Photo ID if you look under 25
• A card for extra drinks
• Camera or phone

Good to Know & Caveats

• Departure is from Z Pier, Westhaven Marina, not the downtown ferry terminal; the crew meet guests at the Z Pier gate. Check the pier on your ticket.
• One drink is included; further drinks must be bought on board, and outside alcohol is not allowed.
• Anyone who looks under 25 needs photo ID to buy alcohol.
• Tickets are limited, so book in advance.
• Pay-and-display parking at Z Pier is about NZ$4 an hour; park in the white bays.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Meeting Point

Meet the crew at the Z Pier gate in Westhaven Marina, St Marys Bay (the listing also gives 31 Westhaven Drive), west of the Harbour Bridge approach and not at the downtown ferry terminal.