The Riverhead Tavern is the perfect venue for your Christmas party, and cruising there with a licensed bar and own music will make it even more memorable! Venue capacity is running on a 'first in, first served' basis, so book now so you don't miss out.

Please make sure you confirm your chosen venue with The Riverhead before booking with us, by emailing functions@theriverhead.co.nz.

A cruise to The Riverhead

Just over 5 hours of a Classic Kiwi Experience.

Privately hire the Riverhead ferry and get the best of both worlds with this boat and restaurant experience. Start and end your day or night on Auckland's Harbour, with delicious food and drink in between. Cruise with us to The Riverhead, and don't worry about a thing.

Celebrate any occasion with a drink as you cruise under the Harbour Bridge, watch the beautiful scenery go by as you float up the river, and spend quality time with friends or family while you dine at New Zealand's oldest riverside tavern. All your group needs to do is soak in the views, enjoy a drink or few, and be merry!

The Destination

The sheltered waterways of the upper Waitemata Harbour will take you back to another era when you arrive at The Riverhead. For over 150 years, it has seen people come and go and holds many stories within its walls. The à La Carté Restaurant is connected to an outside deck surrounded by 100-year-old oak trees overlooking the river, while the classic kiwi neighbourhood bar makes a wonderful place to unwind with a cold beer and a game of pool. On your journey back you will see the beauty of Auckland's captivating city and Harbour Bridge. 

What is the capacity?

For shared Christmas Party Cruises to the Riverhead Tavern, our capacity is 30 people.

Where is it?

The historical Riverhead Tavern is nestled on the edge of the upper Waitemata Harbour. It is a 1.5-hour boat journey from Westhaven Marina.

How long should I stay?

The total trip time is 5 1/2 hours. You will spend 2.5 hours at your chosen venue at the Riverhead Tavern, and the cruise is 1.5 hours each way.

What are the food options?

See the delicious menus at each of the venues at The Riverhead: The Portage Bar, The Landing Restaurant, or The Boat House. For Private Cruises, please let us know where you'd like to dine when you book with us, but make sure you also confirm with The Riverhead by emailing functions@theriverhead.co.nz. If you book individual tickets through the Riverhead Experience, then you choose your venue at the time of booking.

What you'll see

The cruise is 1.5 hours each way, taking the route of the early settlers, and leaving the city behind as you slide under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, cruise past the Chelsea Sugar Factory, and leave Herald Island to port venturing up the sheltered waterways to the top of the harbour.

Drop-off & pick-up

Your pick-up and drop-off location is Z Pier, Westhaven Marina.  Find out how to get to us here.

Onboard the ferry

Play your music using our AUX sound system, while you watch the beautiful scenery sail past you. You’ll have access to seating in the back and front of the boat, with comfortable indoor couches available to relax too. Please wear soft, comfortable, and supportive shoes — no gumboots, penny heels, and work boots. 

Food and drink.

We have a licensed bar on board for drinks during your cruise. At the time of booking, you can choose your preferred venue at the Riverhead Tavern, but for Private Cruises you'll need to confirm this with The Riverhead by emailing functions@theriverhead.co.nz. See the delicious menus at each of the venues at The Riverhead: The Portage Bar, The Landing Restaurant, or Boat House.

Please make sure you confirm your chosen venue with The Riverhead by emailing functions@theriverhead.co.nz, if you're booking through here and not the Riverhead Experience page (where you choose the venue at the same time as booking your cruise).