Cruise to the Riverhead

Our fantastic boat cruise departs Z pier Westhaven marina in Downtown Auckland, and stops by Birkenhead wharf before  venturing into the beautiful sheltered, uncharted waterways of the upper Waitemata harbour, where we retrace the footsteps and history of early sailing ships and scows that once traded these waters. The ferry trip to The  Riverhead – historic tavern  takes 1.5 hours,and we spend 2.5 hours at The Riverhead for dining. We have a fully licensed bar on board and an informative commentary is given throughout the cruise.

Departing from downtown Auckland, we leave the city behind and cruise into the sheltered untouched waters of Auckland’s upper Waitemata harbour.  We cruise under Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, Past the Chelsea Sugar Refinery, Kauri Point, and Hearald Island, into the uncharted waters of the Upper Harbour estuary while enjoying a informative on board commentary and our on board bar.

We then continue on past Riverlea, Brighams creek, and Harkins Point, until after an hour and a half cruising, we arrive at The award winning Riverhead – a Historic Tavern.

Once at Riverhead we then head ashore and enjoy a  fantastic meal and a few drinks, in one of the oldest most prestigious riverside taverns in New Zealand. After a couple of hours enjoying the fine dining and waterside scenery at The Riverhead, we then join the Vessel again where we enjoy the fantastic scenery of Auckland’s upper harbour while heading back to Auckland on board the Vessel.

Note: The Riverhead Cruise is tidal and our departure times are based around this. Please see our timetable below for Public ferry dates and times

The Riverhead – an Historic Tavern
The Riverhead has been a house of refreshment and conviviality for around 150 years. In that time it has seen many events and stories come and go, countryfolk and townspeople, fishermen and farmers, smugglers and clergymen, marauding riders of the night through to social visits from the local constabulary. All have played their part in giving The Riverhead a rich stable of stories befitting the oldest riverside tavern in New Zealand. At the Riverhead, there are four great venues able to accommodate any need for your entertainment.

Food at The Riverhead
View the Riverhead menus
The chef has developed a menu to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you prefer tender top quality steak, gourmet pizza, or fresh gastro fare, its all available with an extensive wine list that features local product and specialties from New Zealand’s finest wine districts. Once again the decor celebrates the old, with clean and simple lines of the new, while the extensive decks surrounded by the 100 year old oak trees have the best view in the west. Click here to find out more about The Riverhead.