River Haven

1469 Motueka Valley Highway, Ngātīmoti 7196, New Zealand
$$$ Cafe
(189 Reviews)

Welcome to River Haven, a charming café nestled in the picturesque Motueka Valley, Ngātīmoti, New Zealand. This delightful spot combines the warmth of an English-style pub with the enchanting surroundings of lush grapevines and olive trees, creating a perfect retreat for anyone seeking great food paired with stunning views.

Upon arrival, the cozy atmosphere immediately envelops you, inviting you to sink into relaxation. Whether you're dining indoors or perched at one of the many outdoor tables, you’ll be greeted with a hearty sense of comfort. Many visitors rave about the atmosphere, noting how it caters perfectly to both casual lunches and cozy gatherings.

River Haven’s menu is a reflection of its local roots and the stunning natural surroundings. Known for its fresh and flavorful offerings, the café shines particularly bright with its irresistibly crispy fish and chips—a hit among both locals and travelers alike. The mussel fritters have also garnered a special highlight, with customers like Treena Shee declaring them delicious and hard to resist after seeing them featured on social media. As Adam Jenky noted, the food is not only tasty but also well-priced, making it accessible for everyone seeking a delightful dining experience.

Customer service at River Haven is another cornerstone of its appeal. Many reviews highlight the engaging staff, like Clive, who contribute to an overall friendly and welcoming experience. Rudy Moody mentioned a memorable encounter that included local tales and even some fun snaps with Noel, which adds a personal touch to your visit.

Your trip to River Haven isn't just about the food—it's about creating cherished memories with friends and family. Visitors share sentiments that they cannot wait to return, like Philip Parkes, who expressed his excitement about planning future trips to this treasured spot along with family who reside nearby.

In essence, River Haven is more than just a café; it’s a gathering place for laughter, conversation, and good food, where every visit feels special. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by, indulge in some delicious fare, and soak in the beautiful ambience that this café uniquely offers.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Takeaway
Highlights
Fireplace
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Late-night food
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
189 Reviews
Rudy Moody

28 Sep 2025

Had a great experience Clive was hoot great server was telling us all about the local beer and fish and chips. We would book again for sure. Noel popped in also had a few pictures taken with him, signed a teddy bear we has in the car

Adam Jenky

27 Aug 2025

We loved our lunch stop at River Haven. Beautiful English-style pub and garden restaurant set amongst the grapevines and olive trees. Amazing service, very well priced and tasty food. Would highly recommend and we'll definitely be back next summer.

Treena Shee

20 Aug 2025

After seeing mussel fritters on their Facebook page, I had to visit, I was not disappointed, it was delicious! Cosy atmosphere and great service.

Tess Curry

13 Aug 2025

Wow took me over a year to finally try this place and I super impressed with the service, the food and the atmosphere. Absolutely in love with the Bugger Inn and the wee room behind it. The actual restaurant was beautifully done with several tables and seats outside in the shade if you don't want to be stuck inside on a nice day. Food came out super quick and even though it was "just fish n chips with the obligatory salad it was so good and so fresh! Don't forget to check out Noel's cars that on display out behind Bugger Inn. I will be back for lunch again.

Philip Parkes

07 Aug 2025

What a great dining experience, whether at the Pub or Restaurant. Totally thrilled with all aspects of our visit. Will do again when back down from the North Island. My family live here so they will definitely call in again.

Lily Withey

25 Jul 2025

we had such a lovely lunch celebrating my sisters 21st and mums 42nd. our host was so lovely and welcoming very friendly, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was lovely. thanks!

Ken Hammond

14 Jul 2025

Beautiful location, really good food and service of a very high standard.

Paul G Miller

03 Jul 2025

Great location which has been beautifully optimised as a countryside social venue for eating and drinking by it's well-known owner. The grounds are superb. Buildings are great inside and out with plenty of shaded areas with wonderful views. Loved the 'local' beer offerings but didn't try the wine. Just had one of the pizzas to eat and it was not bad but not great either - so much topping that the dough and tomato bases were rather lost in the overall taste. My friend had the steak sandwich which looked excellent. Popular with cyclists, car tourers and locals I was very glad to visit and most certainly visit again. Staff were friendly, helpful and a creditvto River Haven.

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