Auckland Sunset Harbour Cruise
Description
Experience Auckland’s spectacular golden hour on a relaxing Sunset Harbour Cruise across the sparkling Waitematā Harbour. Departing from Westhaven Marina, cruise beneath the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline, Sky Tower, Rangitoto Island and Devonport as day turns to night. Relax on spacious indoor and outdoor viewing decks while your local crew shares engaging live commentary about Auckland’s harbour and history. Visit the fully licensed onboard bar for drinks and light snacks, then sit back and enjoy one of Auckland’s most memorable and photogenic harbour experiences.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Cruise Beneath the Iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks
Enjoy views of Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower as it catches the last light of the day, rising above the city skyline before gradually lighting up as Auckland transitions into night. Opened in 1997, the Sky Tower quickly became one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, standing as a symbol of modern Auckland above the historic Waitematā Harbour below. From the water, you can take in the contrast between the city’s maritime past and its glowing contemporary skyline.
As we pass the Ports of Auckland, you’ll see the working heart of the city’s waterfront. This area has long been Auckland’s gateway to the world, where goods, people, and stories have arrived and departed across the Waitematā Harbour. Today, cargo ships, cruise liners, ferries, and harbour vessels continue that legacy, keeping Auckland connected by sea just as it has been for generations.
Cruise past the charming seaside village of Devonport, one of Auckland’s oldest coastal settlements, known for its historic villas, sandy beaches, and relaxed village feel just across the harbour from the city. With its strong maritime heritage, naval history, and beautiful waterfront, Devonport has long been connected to the life of the Waitematā Harbour. From the water, you’ll enjoy a classic view of this much-loved seaside suburb, framed by beaches, heritage homes, and volcanic landmarks.
Pass by the New Zealand Maritime Museum, where stories of exploration, migration, and seafaring life bring Auckland’s deep connection to the ocean to life.
After dark you will experience the city light up within the Viaduct Harbour.
Nestled on the edge of Auckland’s sparkling Waitematā Harbour, Westhaven Marina is one of the city’s most iconic waterfront destinations. Surrounded by masts, sea breeze, and sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge and city skyline, it is the perfect starting point for a day out on the water. From here, the harbour opens up into a world of maritime history, golden sunsets, and unforgettable cruising moments.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(34)
My experience was beautiful, fun & my friend and I are still fizzing from what a great trip it was. It was a great price for the length of time the cruise was. I would 100% recommend it to anyone. Great families, great idea for a date nightbut also a fab idea for friends.
It was an amazing experience with my best friend; beautiful friendly staff & the Matariki Light show was gorgeous.
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased you and your best friend had an amazing time with us. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the friendly crew and the beautiful Matariki Light Show. We really appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back on board for another cruise soon!
Firstly, thank you to the staff who took care of us. From the get-go. You arrive to Pier Z and the staff will escort you to the boat - where you see and hear the Staff engaging with other skippers. They are super helpful, should you get lost they will ring you and help guide you down to the right pier, because it can be quite tricky. Staff: I actually forgot her name (Wahine Maori with a Moko kauae) was super duper helpful and welcoming. She is welcoming as you first arrive onto the boat and then is miraculously becomes the bartender. Onboard Bar: The drink (alcoholic and non alcoholic options) are soo good. They literally have so many options. And for snacks, they have chippies and buldak noodles which I thought I was a great idea considering it was chilly out. Blankets: It was a chilly night, but nevertheless was fabulous. Because it was chilly, they provided blankets for all on board. This little touch, made it that much more homely. Scenic views: You are able to see so many cool places, some of which don’t even look like Auckland. And along the way the the staff are educating you. This was cool. Never knew Chelsea’s Sugar was so big and old. The sunset was gorgeous. And our beautiful Maori staff member could see we were struggling to take a selfie so she took 5 very stunning photos of my partner and I in different spots. It was like our own little photographer session. Harbour Bridge: At the time of our cruise the Harbour Bridge Live Matariki show was about to start - in 4 minutes so they allowed us to hang out at the bridge so we could see the light show nice and clear. I’m not sure if this was part of the plan but it was so cool. The energy on the boat: This boat is family owned, you can feel the warm embrace of the boat. It kind of feels like you can do what you like. Vaping on the top deck was a life saver. The rules are limited, and it’s so welcoming. I would definitely recommend.
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed review! We’re delighted you had such a memorable Matariki cruise. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to our crew, especially our wonderful team member who made you feel so welcome. It’s fantastic to hear you enjoyed the views, commentary, blankets, light show and the relaxed atmosphere. We truly appreciate your recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back on board again soon!
A great way to relax and see the sights along the harbor as well as the magnificent Auckland skyline.
Thank you for your kind review! We’re so pleased you enjoyed the relaxing cruise and the beautiful views of Auckland Harbour and the city skyline. We appreciate you choosing to cruise with us and hope to welcome you back on board again soon!
Amazing experience, the 4.30 cruise was perfect for sunset, the trip back as the city lights became bright was perfect. Captain and crew were amazing
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the perfect sunset and watching Auckland light up on the return journey. It’s fantastic to hear our captain and crew helped make your experience so memorable. We truly appreciate your review and hope to welcome you back on board again soon!
It was rainy and cloudy, but Red Boats operated. The boat ride was still nice, and we could see the city and bridge lights.
Thank you for your review! We’re glad you enjoyed the cruise despite the rainy and cloudy weather. Auckland Harbour has a unique charm in all conditions, and we’re pleased you were still able to take in the beautiful city skyline and Harbour Bridge lights. We hope to welcome you on board again perhaps next time with a spectacular sunset too!
Great Cruise around Auckland waterfront and watch the sunset. Caleb and Aria (hopefully spelling is correct) were both fantastic. Very chill boat ride with amazing views back to the city and the light show with the music on the harbour Bridge was amazing. Totally recommended 👌
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the Sunset Harbour Cruise and Auckland’s beautiful waterfront. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Caleb and Ari they’ll be delighted to hear they helped make your experience so memorable. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon. – The Red Boats Team
Very good. Cold but next time we'll wear our winter clothes, that would make it perfect. We love the experience
Thank you for your great review! We’re so pleased you enjoyed the cruise, even with the cooler weather. Auckland sunsets are worth braving the chill for! We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back aboard for another memorable harbour experience. – The Red Boats Team
It was very fun! Just a tip if your doing it in winter bring a blanket xx other than that it was such an amazing experience x
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so pleased you had such a fun time on our Sunset Harbour Cruise. Great tip about bringing a blanket during the cooler months it can definitely get a little chilly on the harbour! Thanks for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back aboard again soon. – The Red Boats Team
Rug up when you go on a cooler months the view of the city is awesome The tour guide gives you a good history background of the city
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the stunning city views and found the commentary informative. Auckland Harbour is beautiful in every season, and wrapping up warm certainly helps during the cooler months. We appreciate your support and hope to welcome you aboard again soon. – The Red Boats Team
