Auckland Harbour Sailboat Dinner Cruise: 3-Course Meal at Sea

Dine on the water while the city lights come on.

An Auckland dinner cruise sails Waitemata Harbour for 2.5 hours, serving a 3-course meal on deck or below as the captain shares facts about the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge and the city's landmarks. You choose your main and dessert from the menu at booking, receive a complimentary drink on arrival, and can order additional drinks at the bar on board. Children from age 5 are welcome. Windproof jackets and blankets are provided.

The experience

The boat departs from Viaduct Harbour with a complimentary drink in hand. As you sail out onto Waitemata Harbour, the captain and crew share informative facts about Auckland's iconic sights (the Sky Tower, the Harbour Bridge, and the working waterfront), while the evening light shifts across the water. The 2.5-hour cruise is built around the meal: you'll dine on the top deck or in the dining room below, depending on the weather and where you prefer to sit.

The 3-course service starts with a selection of canapés: roasted beets on flaxseed crackers, braised brisket on Māori fry bread, green lip mussel tartlets, or kiwi bruschetta, depending on what you've chosen. Your main arrives next: roast chicken Caesar, lamb rump with mint chimichurri, pan-fried market fish with prosciutto butter, or miso roasted pumpkin with braised lentils and black garlic. Dessert follows: chocolate delice with Weetbix crumb and miso caramel, flat white coffee pot with macerated pear, or coconut sago with dark chocolate and fruit compote. You'll need to select your main and dessert at least 24 hours before departure, or the kitchen will choose for you. A cash and card bar on board lets you order additional drinks if you want them.

Windproof and waterproof jackets and blankets are provided, so you're covered if the evening turns cool or the wind picks up. A toilet is on board. If you're travelling with another group, let the operator know at least 24 hours ahead so everyone ends up on the same vessel.

What’s included

• A 3-course dinner with your choice of main and dessert.
• a complimentary welcome drink on arrival.
• live captain's commentary on Auckland's landmarks.
• windproof and waterproof jackets and blankets.
• on-board toilet facilities.
• and access to the cash and card bar for additional drinks at your own cost.

Options for this experience

2 options

Summer departure at 6:00pmGuide in English · 18:00

Winter schedule, departing at 5:00pmGuide in English · Available from 1 May 2027

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:00Last departure this season: 31 Mar 2027

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Explore Group Limited

Is this one for you?Book the 5:00pm winter departure if you prefer an earlier evening start, or the 6:00pm summer slot if you want more daylight before the meal service begins. Either way, you're dining on the water as the city transitions from day to night, with the captain handling the navigation and the timing so you focus on the food and the view.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the Auckland dinner cruise?

The cruise includes a 3-course dinner (you choose your main and dessert), a complimentary drink on arrival, live captain's commentary, use of windproof jackets and blankets, and access to the on-board bar for additional drinks at extra cost.

How long is the Waitemata Harbour cruise?

The cruise runs 2.5 hours total, with dinner service happening throughout as you sail past the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge and other Auckland landmarks.

When do the Auckland sailboat dinner cruises depart?

Two departure times are available: 5:00pm during winter or 6:00pm during summer, depending on the season you're booking.

What happens if I don't choose my meal before the cruise?

Meal selections must be advised at least 24 hours before departure. If you don't pre-select your main and dessert, the kitchen will choose them for you, so it's worth deciding in advance if you have preferences or dietary needs.

What dietary options are available on the dinner cruise?

The menu includes vegetarian, vegan and non-gluten options across the canapés, mains and desserts. Let the operator know about any dietary requirements at booking or in the Special Requirements section so they can confirm what's available for your departure.