THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard a restored 1952 wooden ferry for a slow-water escape from central Auckland: narrated harbour cruising, a licensed bar aboard, and a two-hour visit to The Riverhead—New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Perfect for food lovers, families, and anyone after a scenic, low-effort day out on the Waitematā.
Step aboard a restored 1952 wooden ferry for a slow-water escape from central Auckland: narrated harbour cruising, a licensed bar aboard, and a two-hour visit to The Riverhead—New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Perfect for food lovers, families, and anyone after a scenic, low-effort day out on the Waitematā.
Book with The Riverhead
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Riverhead · Auckland, Auckland
Board the Riverhead Ferry from 31 Westhaven Drive and slip past Auckland’s western edges into the quiet upper Waitematā Harbour. This relaxed, heritage cruise runs aboard a 45-foot wooden character vessel built in 1952—once the Kawau Isle and a school ferry in Whangarei—now restored for public sailings. The journey is about 1.5 hours each way and includes a narrated run with Captain Holger who points out local landmarks, maritime history, and the estuary’s ecology. The endpoint is The Riverhead, New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern, set above the water on a private jetty with 55 steps leading to cascading decks and a seasonal, regionally focused menu. In summer you’ll dine on sun-warmed decks that look across mangrove-fringed shallows; in cooler months the dining room gathers around a fireplace. The Riverhead’s food and drink reflect local producers, while the licensed bar aboard the ferry keeps the mood convivial on the crossing. Note that BYO is not permitted on board or at The Riverhead. The trip is as much about landscape as it is about hospitality. The upper harbour opens into quieter channels, mudflats, and pockets of native bush where shorebirds feed—look for white herons and kingfishers along the shoreline. Geologically, the estuary reveals mixed alluvial and volcanic-influenced sediments visible at low tide, with hidden sandbanks that shape the tidal channels. The private dock and tidal access require attention to timing; sailings arrange pickup windows close to high tide and often allow roughly two hours ashore. Practical details are straightforward: meet at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina. Pier Z (Beside Billfish Café) before departure. The ferry is large and comfortable with toilets, a licensed bar, light background music on the return, and full commentary outbound. The minimum group size for public cruises is 20, and private charters vary. Families are welcome but children must be supervised; note the 55 stairs from the dock up to the restaurant mean shore access isn’t wheelchair-friendly. Why book it? This trip pairs low-effort coastal cruising with a genuine slice of Auckland maritime life and a visit to a historic riverside pub you can’t drive to. It’s ideal for food-minded travelers, small groups celebrating quietly, or anyone who wants a slow-water escape without leaving the city. The Riverhead Ferry is a living piece of regional boating history that puts the harbour— and the view of everyday coastal ecosystems—at center stage. Bookings are handled through the operator’s online system and often sell out on long weekends; check availability early, note minimum passenger numbers for public sailings. Bring sun protection, a windproof layer, and a small daypack for the walk up the jetty stairs. Expect friendly commentary and the chance to stretch legs on shoreline rich with local character.
easy.
4–5 hours.
Low-impact: suitable for most people who can handle brief walks and stairs
Meet at 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina. Pier Z (Beside Billfish Café). Check-in times are listed on your booking confirmation.
No—BYO is not permitted on the Riverhead Cruise or at The Riverhead venues. The ferry and The Riverhead have licensed bars and food options.
Yes—children are welcome but must be supervised at all times, particularly on deck and on the stairs to the restaurant.
Yes, the ferry is equipped with toilets for guest convenience.
Access includes 55 steps from the dock up to the restaurant; this means shore access is not wheelchair-friendly and may be difficult for some travelers.
Public sailings generally allow around two hours ashore, though timing can vary for private charters and special events—confirm at booking.
The vessel was built in 1952 and operated as the Kawau Isle and a school ferry in Whangarei before being restored for charter; The Riverhead is noted as New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern.
Respect shorebird feeding areas by keeping to designated paths and avoiding low-tide mudflats; the cruise emphasizes gentle, low-impact visits to the tidal estuary.
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