With a mile long history and surrounded by picturesque countryside, Kerikeri is the city to explore, digging into the history or just to unwind. Visitors come to this city for various kinds of experiences, to learn about the history of the Maori, to enjoy the relaxed vibe of the local lifestyle and even to taste the finest wines the region has to offer.
Located in Northland, this city was once home to the Maori chief Hongi Hika, a powerful and fearsome leader of the tribe. During the early 1800’s, Hongi Hika terrorized many other Maori tribes of Northland. Yet, with his protection of the missionaries, religion played a significant role in the life of the locals. Along with the history of Hongi Hika, the city has some of the oldest buildings in the whole of New Zealand.
A trip to the city of Kerikeri can include visiting the famous art galleries, driving down to the orchards and wineries, or delving into the old history of the region. Before you go, take a look at this list of the top ten things to do in Kerikeri, for a well-rounded trip.
1. Visit the Kerikeri Mission Station
The Kerikeri Mission Station is the first place where Maori leaders allowed Christian missionaries to stay, after the start of their truce. The Kerikeri Mission Station has two heritage houses, the Stone Store and the famous Kemp House. It was established in the year 1819 and was finished by the year 1821-22. It is the oldest standing European building in New Zealand. The Stone Store was originally built as a store house, in 1832. Later, it was used as a boy’s school, a library and a barracks. This building is the oldest stone house in the country and both buildings are built in the Georgian style.
Kerikeri Mission Station
Address: 246 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri Basin, Kerikeri, Northland, 0230, New Zealand
Website: Kerikeri Mission Station
2. Go on a trip through Rewa’s Maori village to learn more about Maori culture
New thatching for whare again !
Posted by Rewa's Village on Tuesday, 4 October 2016
Rewa’s Maori village is actually an outdoor museum, which gives an excellent glimpse into Maori lifestyle. It is the recreation of a 18th century Maori village, located on the bank of the river named “Te Awa o Ngā Rangatira”. This village is a replica of a typical Maori tribal village. Located in the midst of the Kerikeri Basin, the surroundings of this village are enchanting.
Rewa’s Maori village
Address: 1 Landing Rd, Kerikeri 0230, New Zealand
Website: Rewa’s Maori village
3. Get a glimpse of local lifestyle at the weekly Packhouse Market
Posted by The Old Packhouse Market on Wednesday, 26 July 2017
Every Saturday morning, the town of Kerikeri gets livelier at the Packhouse Market. This market is famous for its fresh farm produce, local arts and crafts or just as a great place to go to enjoy a coffee or some brunch. The lifestyle of Northland influences this market, as it is one of the most important markets of the region. Along with the local lifestyle, taste the hospitality of the Northland, firsthand.
Packhouse Market
Address: 505 Kerikeri Rd, 0245 Kerikeri, New Zealand
Website: Packhouse Market
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4. Take a day trip to Rainbow Falls and Charlie's Rock
Along with the vineyards and the farms, the region around Kerikeri is blessed with excellent waterfalls. Rainbow Falls is a single drop waterfall and is known as “Waianiwaniwa” in the Maori language. The falls can be accessed by the Kerikeri River Track, which also gives access to the other historic parts of the town, like Stone Store, Mission House, Rewa’s Village, St James Church, to name a few.
On the other hand, Charlie’s Rock waterfall has a swimming hole, where you can opt for an enjoyable dip during the summer. Due to the popularity of the famous Rainbow Falls, Charlie’s Rock doesn’t receive as many visitors as the prior, thus it remains an unspoiled and hidden gem, around Kerikeri.
Rainbow Falls
Address: Rainbow Falls Rd, Kerikeri, Northland
Website: Rainbow Falls
Charlie's Rock
Address: Landing Road, Kerikeri, Northland, 0230, New Zealand
5. Take a bush walk in the Puketi Kauri Forest
Puketi Forest, Kerikeri NZ
Posted by Karen Walker on Sunday, 8 January 2017
The Puketi Nature Trail is an easy-going track, which can be finished within one hour, for a round trip. The Puketi Forest is a famous Kauri forest, known for its variety of flora and fauna. Through this bush walk, you can get acquainted with the various native plants of New Zealand. If you are taking a walk at night, you will get the chance to see the glowing light of the resident glow worms.
The Puketi Nature Trail
Website: The Puketi Nature Trail
6. Try the surf in Matauri Bay
Beautiful morning for a Rainbow Warrior dive!
Posted by Paihia Dive on Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Located in the northern part of Kerikeri, Matauri Bay is actually a beach break. The beach is sandy, and the waves are soft, perfect for surfing. The surf of Matauri Bay is easy and suited for all levels of surfing.
Matauri Bay
Website: Matauri Bay
7. Enjoy a vineyard trip and wine tasting at Ake Ake Vineyard
Kerikeri is also famous for its vineyards, which produce the finest local wines. Ake Ake Vineyard is a boutique vineyard, which produces top notch wines from its organic grapes. Try the wines, along with the excellent variety of food in the restaurant, located inside the vineyard.
Ake Ake Vineyards
Address: 165 Waimate North Road, 0293 Kerikeri, New Zealand
Website: Ake Ake Vineyards
8. Visit the Makana Confections Boutique Chocolate Factory
Funnily enough we 'accidentally' found another lovely chocolate factory/shop... MAKANA CONFECTIONS & BOUTIQUE CHOCOLATES.... If you ever go there - try their VANILLA ECLAIRS... mwah
Posted by Raymond Evans on Saturday, 15 July 2017
A trip to Kerikeri will give you the chance to explore the wonderful world of chocolate. At the Makana Confections Boutique Chocolate Factory, you can see the chocolate making process and taste some of the handmade treats. From cherry Armagnac truffles to macadamia orange biscotti, you can find a wide range of delectable desserts here, and perhaps even find some gifts to bring home.
Makana Confections Boutique Chocolate Factory
Address: 504 Kerikeri Rd, Kerikeri 0293, New Zealand
9. Get a makeover at Living Nature
We had a great day filming around our building for our new Living Nature brand video. Here’s our very talented...
Posted by Living Nature on Tuesday, 16 February 2016
Kerikeri has its own natural cosmetics and skincare brand. Living Nature has hundreds of skincare, haircare and cosmetics products and the main production of these products takes place in a factory, in Kerikeri. A visit to the Kerikeri Retail Store & Clinics will offer you a complete makeover session, with ingredients sourced from the lap of nature, including the trees, sea and the earth.
Living Nature Kerikeri Retail Store & Clinics
Address: 1246 State Highway 10, Kerikeri, Northland, New Zealand 0293
10. Try skydiving the Bay of Islands, for the adventure junkies (from USD 208.0)
If your desire for adventure isn’t quenched after a detailed trip to Kerikeri and its surrounding areas, you must try skydiving. The skydiving experience over the Bay of Islands is indeed a thrilling ride and you can choose the exact height from where you want to drop.
Skydive Bay of Islands
Address: Bay of Islands Airport, 182 Wiroa Rd, 0293 Kerikeri, New Zealand
Website: Skydiving over the Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands Skydive from 12,000 ft with 40-Second Free Fall
Duration: 4 hours
So, gear up lots of energy for the city located in the Bay of Islands...
A trip to Kerikeri ensures the promise of great food and adventure amongst nature. The city still holds a traditional farmers market on Sundays and yet modern adventures are there, to keep you engaged. Overall, gather a full reserve of energy to get a proper feel of this city, located in the Bay of Islands.
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