Our location

The Riverhead is an easy 25 minute drive from downtown Auckland, but feels a world away when you’re here.
You’ll find us on the corner of Queen & York Street, Riverhead.

 
 
 
 

by Car

Need help getting here? Enter the address of where you’re coming from below for the directions. Drive safely!

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by Public Ferry

If you don’t have your own boat or you’d rather sit back and let someone else take the helm, then there are a number of options you can take. There are two ferry companies that operate scheduled and private charter services to The Riverhead; The Red Boats and The Riverhead Ferry. 

The Riverhead Experience

A unique ferry excursion following the route of the early settlers. Cruise up the Upper Harbour leaving central Auckland 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 very top of the harbour. Following the path of the ancient Maori, you’ll arrive at the private dock of one of New Zealand’s Oldest Taverns that has been hosting travellers and locals with convivial hospitality for over 160 years.  

Visit The Riverhead Experience website to book a scheduled public trip. This site allows you to select your sail date and The Riverhead’s venue of choice in one easy transaction. 

Please contact the ferry companies directly for any private charters / bookings over the Christmas Function period Mid November - Christmas Day.

The Red Boats

Departing from Z Pier, Westhaven Marina in Central Auckland, The Red Boats operate public ferry trips all year round, most days depending on the tide and demand. Check the options at The Red Boats’ website. Private Group Charters to the Riverhead are also available.

The Riverhead Ferry

The Riverhead Ferry operates year-round offering both public cruises to The Riverhead and private charters for groups wishing to celebrate a special event. Riverhead Ferry departs from Z Pier, Westhaven Marina, Central Auckland. 

PLEASE NOTE YOUR VENUE OPTIONS:

  • The Landing Restaurant, a la carte restaurant with indoor & outdoor dining (decks open seasonally, weather permitting). Groups of up to 28 people in winter and 18 people in summer.

  • The Portage Bar, with high leaners & stools, pool tables, bar food with outside seating in the courtyard facing the road. Perfect for large groups wanting to mix and mingle.

  • The Boat House is available for exclusive hire for large groups. Contact us directly for options.

By Private Vessel

The Riverhead’s jetty has been constructed solely for boats visiting the historic tavern.

If you’re coming by private vessel and need to dock, please contact us on
09 412 8902.

Once you pass behind Herald island there are no channel markers. For ease of navigation go to the app store on your smart phone or tablet and download Navionics Boating Australia & New Zealand.

Open the charts for the area and simply remain in the blue section of the chart for the deepest water.

As a rough guide, vessels drawing up to 1.5m (5 feet ) should allow for a half tide or better for the trip up and return no later than two hours after high tide to avoid getting stranded.

Smaller trailer boats that can tilt their motors can operate the river in all but the bottom two hours of the tide. There is room on the inside of the dock for smaller vessels to dock.

There is approximately 1.8m of water on the outside of the jetty at low tide and vessels can sit through a low tide on the jetty provided they obtain prior permission from The Riverhead.

Free overnight docking is available for guests who have a dinner reservation in The Landing Restaurant and have reserved docking space.

For further information please contact our helpful staff here at The Riverhead.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Stay clear of the areas that are reserved for the ferries.

  • There is no power, water or fuel at the jetty.

  • You don’t need to book to use the dock except if you plan to stay overnight, but you MUST leave the dock face clear for the ferries.

  • Smaller boats may use the inside of the dock and it is possible to anchor and stern tie to the ends of the pontoons.