Travel from Auckland to The Riverhead historic tavern aboard The Red Boats Public Riverhead Cruise.

This scenic return cruise follows the upper Waitemata Harbour and historic waterways from Westhaven Marina to one of New Zealand’s oldest riverside taverns.

Enjoy live skipper commentary during the journey, relax with a drink from the licensed onboard bar and spend time ashore at The Riverhead before cruising back to Auckland.

Your Public Riverhead Cruise includes:

• A scenic return cruise from Auckland to The Riverhead
• Approximately one and a half hours cruising in each direction
• Approximately two and a half hours ashore
• Live skipper commentary
• Indoor seating and sheltered areas
• Open outdoor viewing areas
• Access to the licensed onboard bar
• Normal household-style flush toilets

The full Riverhead experience normally lasts approximately five and a half hours. Exact timings may vary depending on the tide, harbour conditions and scheduled departure.

This is a shared public cruise. Private Riverhead charters and functions must be arranged through The Red Boats office or Charters Department.

Cruise highlights

The journey follows historic waterways once used by early sailing ships and settlers travelling between Auckland and Riverhead.

Highlights may include:

• Auckland city skyline
• Auckland Harbour Bridge
• Chelsea Sugar Refinery
• Kauri Point
• Herald Island
• Riverlea
• Brighams Creek
• Harkins Point
• The upper Waitemata Harbour
• The Riverhead historic tavern

The exact route and commentary may vary depending on harbour conditions, vessel movements and the weather.

The Riverhead historic tavern

The Riverhead is one of New Zealand’s oldest riverside taverns and provides a relaxed setting for lunch, dinner or drinks beside the water.

Passengers normally have approximately two and a half hours ashore before reboarding the vessel for the return cruise to Auckland.

Meals and drinks purchased at The Riverhead are not included in the cruise ticket unless the selected product specifically states otherwise. Food and beverages at the tavern are ordered and paid for directly with The Riverhead.

We recommend checking dining arrangements and making any required restaurant reservation before your cruise.

Onboard bar and snacks

The vessel has a fully licensed bar selling beer, wine, ready-to-drink beverages, soft drinks, juice and light snacks.

Guests cannot bring their own alcohol onboard.

Guests who appear to be under 25 may be asked to show an approved current form of photo identification when purchasing alcohol.

Live commentary

Our experienced skipper provides live commentary during the public Riverhead Cruise, sharing stories about Auckland’s maritime history, the upper harbour and the historic route to Riverhead.

Who is the public cruise suitable for?

The Public Riverhead Cruise is suitable for couples, families, visitors, friends, social groups and Auckland locals.

It is a great choice for a relaxing day out, family lunch, birthday outing, sightseeing trip or anyone wanting to experience the upper Waitemata Harbour.

Infants must be included when making a booking, even when an infant ticket is free. Children must be supervised at all times, particularly around stairs, outdoor areas and while boarding or leaving the vessel.

Tide-dependent departure times

Riverhead sailing dates and departure times are determined by the tide. The cruise does not operate at the same time every day.

Always check the departure time displayed in the online calendar and on your booking confirmation.

New dates are released periodically as the sailing schedule is prepared. If a future month is not displayed, this does not necessarily mean every trip is sold out.

Private Riverhead charters and functions

This Rezdy product is for shared public Riverhead trips only.

Customers wanting exclusive use of the vessel for a private Riverhead cruise, birthday, wedding, corporate event, Christmas function, group charter or other private function must book through The Red Boats office.

Private Riverhead charters are not confirmed through the public Riverhead availability calendar.

Please email info@theredboats.co.nz with:

• Your preferred date
• Preferred departure time
• Group size
• Type of occasion
• Catering requirements
• Entertainment requirements
• Any special requests

Customers may also ask to be transferred to the Charters Department during business hours.

Birkenhead pickups

The public Riverhead Cruise departs from Z Pier at Westhaven Marina.

Birkenhead pickup and drop-off are not normally offered on the public Riverhead Cruise. Do not travel to Birkenhead unless your booking confirmation specifically states that a pickup has been arranged.

A different pickup location for a private group must be discussed with the Charters Department before booking.

Auckland departure location

Z Pier
Westhaven Marina
31 Westhaven Drive
Auckland

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time so everyone can be checked in and ready to board.

The vessel cannot normally wait for passengers who arrive late.

Return time

Return times are approximate and can be affected by tides, harbour traffic, weather and operational requirements.

Allow additional time before making plans immediately after the cruise.

Parking at Westhaven Marina

Paid pay-by-plate parking is available near Z Pier. Park only in white-line public spaces. Red-line spaces are reserved for permit holders.

Ensure you pay for enough parking time to cover the complete Riverhead experience and possible delays returning to the marina.

Parking rates and restrictions can change, so please follow the current signs and allow additional time to find a parking space.

Weather and operating conditions

The Public Riverhead Cruise operates subject to suitable tides, weather, harbour and operational conditions.

The skipper has final responsibility for the safe operation of the vessel. The route, departure time or sailing may be changed when required for safety.

If The Red Boats cancels or changes a trip, customers will be contacted using the phone number and email address supplied with their booking.

Current public sailing dates, departure times, ticket prices and availability are displayed in the online booking calendar.

Book The Red Boats Public Riverhead Cruise and enjoy live commentary, scenic upper-harbour cruising and time ashore at The Riverhead historic tavern.

For further information, visit:

www.theredboats.co.nz/cruises/public-ferry-riverhead/