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.

 
 
 
 

KAYAK TOUR

The Social Nature Movement’s Riverhead Tavern Sea Kayak Tour from Herald Island Christmas Beach is more than just a paddle.

It’s an exploration of Auckland’s vibrant history, a celebration of its natural beauty, and an opportunity to connect with nature in a meaningful way.

Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a novice looking for a new adventure, this tour promises a memorable and enriching experience.

Find out more here.

Public Ferry

There are two ferry companies that operate scheduled and private charter services to The Riverhead; The Red Boats and The Riverhead Ferry.  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 booking. 

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

The Red Boats: www.theredboats.co.nz
The Riverhead Ferry: www.riverheadferry.co.nz

Private Vessel

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

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.