Auckland Harbour Lunch Cruise | The Red Boats | Shaara Deals
A 2 hour 15 minute buffet lunch cruise across Auckland's Waitematā Harbour with The Red Boats, departing Westhaven Marina, on Shaara Deals from $89.
Westhaven Marina sits just a few minutes from the Auckland CBD, and it's where The Red Boats depart for one of the more relaxed ways to spend an afternoon on the water: a 2 hour 15 minute buffet-style lunch cruise across the Waitematā Harbour.
The Red Boats run several different cruises out of Z Pier at Westhaven, and this one is their sit-down, eat-while-you-sightsee option. If you're after something shorter and lighter, they also run the 90-minute Auckland Harbour Cruise from $39, and if you'd rather do your harbour cruising after dark with a drink in hand, there's the Night Lights Cruise as well. This lunch cruise sits in between: longer, more substantial, and built around a proper meal rather than just the views.
What the afternoon looks like
Boarding is at Z Pier, 31 Westhaven Drive, with a recommended arrival time of 11:55am ahead of the 12:15pm departure. Late arrivals risk missing the cruise entirely and may not be eligible for a refund or reschedule, so it's worth building in a buffer if traffic around Westhaven is a concern.
Once underway, you're free to move between comfortable indoor seating and the outdoor viewing areas as the boat cruises past the Auckland skyline, Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The cruise returns to Westhaven at approximately 2:30pm, giving you a genuine 2 hour 15 minute block on the water.
The buffet
Lunch is a generous buffet-style spread served onboard, with a rotating selection of three hot dishes that might include roasted prime seasoned beef, roasted pork, seasoned roast chicken, classic beef lasagne or sliced ham, alongside cold platters of sliced meats and cheese, salads such as coleslaw, gourmet potato salad, garden salad with chickpeas and pasta salad, sides like baby beetroot with toasted sesame and oven-baked bread rolls, and a dessert selection of fresh fruit and cake. The exact menu can vary with seasonal availability and passenger numbers, but the format stays the same. A fully licensed bar is also onboard for anyone wanting to add a beer, wine, RTD or non-alcoholic drink to the occasion (18+, valid photo ID required).
Dietary requirements should be flagged at the time of booking, and while The Red Boats will do their best to accommodate them, an allergen-free environment can't be guaranteed given the buffet format.
The essentials
- Deal: Auckland Harbour Lunch Cruise with buffet lunch, The Red Boats
- Price: From $89
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (departs 12:15pm, returns approx. 2:30pm)
- Location: Z Pier, Westhaven Marina, Auckland
- Merchant: The Red Boats
FAQs
What time should I arrive?
At least 20 minutes before the 12:15pm departure — 11:55am is the recommended arrival time at Z Pier, Westhaven Marina.
Is lunch actually included, or is it extra?
The buffet-style lunch is included in the $89 price. Drinks from the onboard licensed bar are purchased separately.
What if I have dietary requirements?
Let The Red Boats know at the time of booking. They'll do their best to accommodate you, though they can't guarantee an allergen-free environment on a shared buffet.
Does the cruise run in bad weather?
Yes, the cruise operates in most weather conditions, though the exact route may vary depending on weather and marine traffic, with the skipper retaining final say on operational decisions.
Book the Auckland Harbour Lunch Cruise on Shaara Deals at https://shaaradeals.co.nz/deal/6a82b50144c15bdbf7d77c88 and trade a couple of hours ashore for a buffet lunch and a slow loop of the Waitematā instead.
