Originally a kauri-dense native forest, the area was logged and the soil dug for kauri gum during the Colonial Era of New Zealand.

[2] The forest is bordered by the Auckland townships of Huapai, Kumeū and Riverhead to the south, and the affluent rural community of Coatesville to the east.

[2] The forest was formerly owned by the New Zealand Government, and was administered by Carter Holt Harvey, which purchased tree cutting rights in 1990.

[5][2] Riverhead Forest is host to events involving mountain bikers, four-wheel drive vehicles and dog sled drivers.

[2] The forest is also popular in winter months for hunters looking for wild pigs,[2] and is the location of the longest running paintball field, which has been operating since 1985.