THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard at Westhaven Marina for a 1.5-hour ferry ride to The Riverhead, New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Enjoy commentary, a licensed bar, and a short shore excursion across the upper Waitematā.
Step aboard at Westhaven Marina for a 1.5-hour ferry ride to The Riverhead, New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Enjoy commentary, a licensed bar, and a short shore excursion across the upper Waitematā.
Book with The Riverhead
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Riverhead · Auckland, Auckland
Boarding at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina (Pier Z, beside Billfish Café), Red Boats delivers a buoyant slice of Auckland history along the city’s upper harbour. The scheduled ferry pushes away from Westhaven and traces the route once used by Māori and early European pioneers, easing through sheltered channels toward The Riverhead, New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. The journey runs about 1.5 hours each way, leaving time to step ashore, climb the 55 steps to the village, and scan mudflats and mangrove channels where sailors and settlers first met the Waitematā’s quieter reaches.
On board the large, roomy vessels you’ll find indoor seating and open decks, a licensed bar, light snacks, and two toilets — practical comforts that keep the focus on the view. Crewmembers deliver full commentary about landmarks and local lore during the outbound leg, and the return trip settles into light background music that lets conversations hum. Note that BYO is not allowed on either the boat or at The Riverhead; the operator also asks guests to bring cash for the bar because EFTPOS reception can be patchy.
Families appreciate the child-friendly layout, but adults should supervise children at all times. Max group size is thirty, and private charters operate on different timetables. Tidal access dictates docking windows, so the typical stay ashore is around two hours. Accessibility is limited at The Riverhead: the private dock sits below the venue and requires climbing 55 steps to reach restaurant and bar options.
Why book this trip? It’s a compact coastal escape that stitches urban Auckland to a pocket of maritime history. The route highlights the harbour’s changing character — from marina slips and city skyline to the quieter, green-edged upper harbour where small farms and estuarine shoreline define the landscape. For photographers the mix of water, wooden wharves, and low-slung tavern architecture makes for approachable compositions without a long walk.
Practical tips: wear layered clothing for wind and spray, bring a light daypack, and plan for a roughly four- to five-hour outing including travel and time ashore. Stag and hen parties are not permitted on public sailings; no illicit substances onboard. For travelers who want a straightforward, scenic marine experience with a historic stop, Red Boats offers reliable vessels, friendly commentary, and a direct link to one of Auckland’s oldest riverfront gathering places.
Morning sailings tend to have flatter water and clearer light; afternoons can deliver warmer tones. Because access is tidal, confirm departure windows when you book. Bring sturdy shoes for the 55 steps, a rain layer, and a small amount of cash. Meet at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina (Pier Z, beside Billfish Café) at least fifteen minutes early to ensure a smooth embarkation and smile.
easy.
4–5 hours.
Suitable for people with basic mobility; expect a moderate walk up 55 steps at the dock and short periods standing on deck.
The ferry journey is approximately 1.5 hours each way, with a typical ashore time of around two hours.
Meet at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina. Pier Z (Beside Billfish Café). Arrive at least 15 minutes early to board.
No. BYO is not allowed on the Riverhead Cruise or at The Riverhead; the vessel is a licensed premises.
Yes. The vessels are child-friendly but children must be supervised at all times by an adult.
Yes. Access at The Riverhead requires climbing 55 steps from the dock to venue areas; check with the operator for assistance options.
The private dock has tidal limitations, so docking windows are scheduled around high tide; the operator will advise timing when you book.
The ferry follows waterways used by Māori and early European pioneers; The Riverhead is promoted as New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern.
Respect shorebird habitat by staying on marked paths and minimizing noise; pack out any rubbish and follow the operator’s no-BYO policy to reduce glass and litter.
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.
Book with The Riverhead