Fodor's Expert Review The Sugar Boat

High and dry on the banks of the Waitangi River sits this historic kauri sailing vessel, which once carried sugar to a sugar refinery in Auckland. On deck is the Cuban-inspired Cubar, serving cocktails and lunch—such as blackened fish tacos and Cuban sandwiches—and providing DJs, live music, and dancing by night; dinner is served below deck on kauri tables inset with relics that the famous New Zealand diver Kelly Tarlton salvaged from wrecks. Dishes might include ostrich fillet served with gnocchi, roasted goat cheese, char-grilled zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in a port-and-cranberry jus.