For all Ages! • 1.5 hour each way trip • Unforgettable Views!
Swap city streets for a short maritime escape: sail from Westhaven Marina to The Riverhead for live music, tavern fare, and waterfront views. This roomy, family-friendly cruise combines commentary, a licensed bar, and a festive riverside stop—perfect for a relaxed half-day outing from Auckland.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Low; requires ability to climb 55 stairs and stand or walk moderately on deck and jetty.
Wildlife
History
The Riverhead is promoted as New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern, a long-standing local gathering spot with a reputation for live summer music.
Conservation
Tidal access makes timing important; stick to marked paths on the dock and lawn, dispose of litter responsibly, and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce human impact.
The Riverhead
For all Ages! • 1.5 hour each way trip • Unforgettable Views!
The Riverhead is an Auckland-based operator offering scenic harbor cruises and ferry services to Riverhead, home to New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Featured on The Adventure Collective, The Riverhead runs a variety of short cruises aboard spacious vessels and historic wooden ferries, combining coastal scenery, lively commentary, and relaxed on-board service.
Trips include Red Boats and Riverhead Ferry options that sail along Auckland’s historic harbour, passing Māori sites and early pioneers’ routes before docking at the tavern. Options visit The Landing restaurant, The Boat House, or The Portage Bar, with seasonal dishes, live summer music on selected sailings, and indoor and outdoor seating. Onboard amenities commonly include a licensed bar, snacks, and comfortable deck space suitable for families and groups.
The Riverhead’s cruises emphasize accessibility and atmosphere: vessels offer indoor and outdoor areas, commentary highlights local history, and some sailings note a 1.5-hour duration. One landing involves a climb of 55 stairs to reach the tavern; shore access and facilities vary by trip. Safety and hospitality are supported by licensed on-board service and experienced crew familiar with Auckland’s upper harbour routes.
Ideal for visitors seeking relaxed sightseeing, waterside dining, or social outings, The Riverhead provides straightforward, fact-based experiences rooted in local history and harbor scenery. Booking and schedule details are available through the operator’s listings and partners. Schedules, fares, and specific onboard services differ between trips; passengers should consult the operator listing or ticketing partner for current departure times, pricing, accessibility notes, and seasonal changes for planning and safety purposes.
Location
Auckland
Operates on Auckland upper harbour
Family Friendly
All ages
Suitable for families and groups
Cruise Option
1.5-hour option
At least one 1.5-hour sailing
Tours Offered
8 trips
Range of harbor cruises and landings
Book scenic Auckland harbor sailings to Riverhead Tavern, waterfront dining, and summer music — check timetables and ticketing partners for availability.
Bring cash for the bar
EFTPOS can be patchy on board and at The Riverhead; carry cash to avoid delays at the licensed bar.
Prepare for 55 stairs
There are 55 steps from the Riverhead’s dock up to the restaurant and lawn; wear shoes with good grip.
Arrive early for best views
Claim a seat on the outdoor bow or near the front of the deck for unobstructed harbour panoramas and photos.
Check tide-based timing
Access is tidal and stay ashore is linked to high tide windows—confirm your sailing time before you go.
Comfortable walking shoes
Good grip for the jetty and the 55 stairs at The Riverhead.
Light windproof jacket
Protects against harbor breezes on the open deck.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)
Summer sun can be strong on exposed decks and the Riverhead lawn.
summer
Cash for bar purchases
EFTPOS reception can be unreliable on board and at the venue.