The Riverhead, a much acclaimed multi-faceted restaurant, bar, and events centre that commenced trading in 1857, has come onto the market.

At over 160 years old, The Riverhead is thought to be New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern.

At a glance: 

• The Riverhead,  a much acclaimed restaurant, bar, and events centre and thought to be New Zealand's oldest riverside tavern, has been listed for sale with JLL Auckland's Nick Thompson.
• JLL have explained that opportunities like these are rare in both New Zealand and Australia, hence it is being marketed in both countries.
• The offering represents a huge opportunity in a spectacular riverside location that is easily accessible by road and ferry with a substantial pontoon, jetty and pathway. 

JLL New Zealand Director of Hotels and Tourism Nick Thompson said that opportunities like these are few and far between in both New Zealand and Australia, hence it is being marketed in both countries.

The Riverhead, Auckland

“The iconic offering in West Auckland presents a huge opportunity with a spectacular riverside location that is easily accessible by road and ferry with a substantial pontoon, jetty and pathway leading directly to the venue,” said Thompson.

“The added bonus of water access means regular ferries as well as personal recreational vessel and tenders from super yachts are able to gain direct access from the Auckland Anchorages to the hotel.”

Click here to view the listing on The Hotel Page

Nestled on the shores of the upper Waitemata, The Riverhead is steeped in local history and played a part in the development of early New Zealand with thousands using the wharf and hotel as the gateway to lands in the north prior to the completion of roads and railway.

The Riverhead has a waterfront harbour location and is an on-licence licenced premises that provides food and beverage across four main trading areas. Apart from being a local tavern, it provides extensive restaurant, function, and wedding facilities.

JLL Australia Hotels and Hospitality Group Vice President Will Connolly says opportunities like these are attracting constant attention from overseas.

“In recent years the New Zealand hospitality market has seen an influx from Australia-based capital, with prominent operating groups identifying the advantage to secure assets at a level in which is near on impossible in the Australian market given its tightly held and competitive environment,” said Connolly.

“Auckland is New Zealand’s global gateway with more than 70 percent of all international visitors arriving via Auckland International Airport (AIA) every year.”

The current owners have invested approximately $6.42 million since 2010 into substantial renovations and extensions with the intention to move The Riverhead away from the traditional ‘Country Pub’ or ‘Tavern’ and develop it into a destinational venue offering three distinct trading operations with no direct ‘like for like’ competition.

“Since its transformation, The Riverhead has been a winner and finalist in several New Zealand hospitality and business awards with consistent trading from multiple revenue streams,” said Connolly.

“Despite this, given all the time and capital utilised in establishing and setting up the new trading departments, management are only now better able to fine-tune the business operation.”

The substantial 5,131 square metre site comes with two adjoining vacant residential sites of 1,201 square metres and 1,252 square metres, located in one of Auckland’s growth suburbs with substantial new residential developments set to continue.

Trading areas include the Portage Bar, Landing Restaurant, Boat House, and a spread-out area with marquees, BBQ, Garden Bar, and an extensive lawn. This is in addition to a high quality owner or manager accommodation offering.

Thompson says while the region around Riverhead and the neighbouring towns of Kumeu and Huapei have been traditionally known for their vineyards, better motorway connectivity means Riverhead is growing as a dormitory suburb with recent subdivisions and new housing being a strong feature of the surrounding landscape in recent times.

“The market for properties of this nature is developing, particularly in the West Auckland area with a number of family-friendly bistro style restaurants and micro-breweries appearing. However, none of these can be directly compared to the multiple income streams and iconic nature of The Riverhead,” said Thompson.

“The subject property and this new group of establishments are well supported by a significant and growing Auckland population seeking a close relaxed atmosphere outside the CBD.”

The Riverhead is to be offered to market via an Expressions of Interest (EOI) campaign.

For enquiries and further information on The Riverhead, email or call the agent Nick Thompson via the contact details below.

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