THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard a historic wooden ferry at Westhaven Marina for a relaxed cruise to Riverhead and New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Expect live music on summer Sundays, local commentary from Captain Holger, and estuarine views that make this half-day feel like a proper escape from the city.
Step aboard a historic wooden ferry at Westhaven Marina for a relaxed cruise to Riverhead and New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Expect live music on summer Sundays, local commentary from Captain Holger, and estuarine views that make this half-day feel like a proper escape from the city.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Riverhead · Auckland, Auckland
easy.
4–5 hours.
Light fitness; mostly seated on the ferry with short uphill walk from the dock (55 steps).
No. BYO is not permitted on the Riverhead Cruise or at The Riverhead venues.
The ferry crossing is approximately 1.5 hours each way; public sailings generally include about a two hour stay ashore (total ~4–5 hours).
Meet at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina. Pier Z (Beside Billfish Café).
Yes. There are toilets and a licensed bar on board; The Riverhead serves tavern classics and small plates ashore (no table service on public sailings).
The cruise is child-friendly but children must be supervised at all times; be mindful of the stairs and tidal access at the dock.
Private charters typically require a minimum of 20 people—check with the operator for specific booking details.
The ferry vessel was built in 1952 and formerly named Kawau Isle; The Riverhead is billed as New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern and has long been a local gathering place.
This upper-harbour estuary is sensitive—avoid disturbing birds, stick to established paths, and carry out all rubbish; the operator enforces no-BYO rules to limit waste and disturbance.
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