Lying at the northern end of the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri is one of the three major towns in the bay which serve as jump-off points for exploring land and sea in the region.
It is actually located inland but Kerikeri River leads out to sea.
Oldest buildings
This is a town with some of the oldest structures in New Zealand. The oldest wooden building, Kemp House, and the oldest stone building, the Stone Store, were part of the mission station established in 1819.
Kemp House was built in 1821 and the Stone Store was completed in 1836.
Waimate Mission House, built of kauri in the early 1830s, is New Zealand's oldest surviving house.
Other Kerikeri attractions
Some other places in Kerikeri you may want to visit:
Rewa's Maori Village. Authentic reproduction of an unfortified Maori village called a kainga. Across the river from the Stone Store.
Kororipo Pa. A Maori fortress at the end of a 10-minute marked Historical Walk.
Rainbow Falls and Wharepoke Falls. Along the four-kilometre Kerikeri River Track.
Arts and crafts shops. There are a number of interesting arts and crafts shops in town.
Fruit orchards. Take a guided tour of the orange and kiwi fruit orchards.
Adventure Park. For the kids.
Next page: The Islands: Walks, Pas, Historical Sites
- (Photo courtesy Destination Northland)
