This Bay of Islands town, founded in 1819, has New Zealand's oldest stone building and largest Mission Station. Citrus orchards and vineyards dot the surrounding hills.
Kerikeri sits where the Kerikeri River flows into the Pacific Ocean in New Zealand's Bay of Islands. Here you'll find the 1821 Mission House, the country's oldest surviving wooden building, and the 1832 Stone Store, its earliest stone construction. Citrus groves and vineyards dating back two centuries grow near Rainbow Falls, a waterfall dropping 27 meters into a swimming hole. Weekend markets sell fresh passionfruit, feijoas, and locally made cheeses. Ferries from nearby towns take visitors to explore islands, snorkeling spots, and historic locations like the Treaty of Waitangi grounds.
Visit Historic Sites from Early Māori and Missionary Life
Walk through the Kerikeri Mission Station to enter Kemp House, built in 1821 as housing for Church Missionary Society families. Next door, the Stone Store still displays original iron tools and fabrics traded with Māori in the 1830s. Both buildings stand near the remains of Kororipo Pā, a fortified village used by Ngāpuhi leader Hongi Hika during tribal conflicts. Across the river, Te Ahurea demonstrates traditional Māori fishing practices with replica waka (canoes) and workshops on wood carving. Staff at the site explain daily interactions between missionaries and Māori communities in the 19th century.
Hike to Waterfalls and Through Forest Trails
Take the 4.3-kilometer walking path from Kerikeri Basin to Rainbow Falls, passing stands of silver fern and young kauri trees. Swim in the deep pool below the waterfall or explore the concrete foundations of a 1930s power station near the top. For multi-hour walks, follow the Kauri Forest Loop’s boardwalks through stands of these giant native trees. Wharepuke Gardens, five minutes by car from town, lets you walk through groves of palm trees and tropical flowers alongside outdoor sculptures. Wear shoes with grip—some trails become slippery after rain.
Shop at Markets and Taste Local Products
The Old Packhouse Markets open every Saturday morning in converted fruit-packing sheds, selling handmade candles, raw honey, and live acoustic music. On Sundays, the Paihia Road carpark fills with stalls offering just-picked strawberries, feijoa jams, and sourdough loaves. From June to September, look for roadside signs along Kerikeri Road selling ripe mandarins and avocados. Sample free chocolate-coated macadamia nuts at the Makana Confections factory shop near the Stone Store. Try local wines from Marsden Estate’s vineyard, established in 1985 using grapevines first planted here in 1819.
Discover Art Galleries and Craft Workshops
KaanZamaan Gallery rotates displays every six weeks, focusing on Northland painters, jewelers, and ceramic artists. Pick up a map from the i-SITE visitor center to explore 12 working studios along the Kerikeri Arts Trail, including woodturners and glassblowers. The Turner Centre hosts live jazz concerts on Friday nights and theater productions in its 300-seat auditorium. Inside the Stone Store, browse books on New Zealand history and pounamu (greenstone) necklaces carved by Māori artists. Book ahead for workshops where instructors teach how to weave flax into baskets or carve wooden pendants.
Take Boat Trips and Explore Nearby Towns
Drive 25 minutes to Paihia to join a four-hour cruise through the Bay of Islands, stopping to watch dolphins and pass through the Hole in the Rock sea tunnel. At Waitangi Treaty Grounds, see the 35-meter waka taua (war canoe) and carved wharenui (meeting house) opened in 1940. Catch a 15-minute ferry from Paihia to Russell, where you can photograph original 1830s wooden buildings like New Zealand’s first pub. Walk among 1,000-year-old kauri trees on the Puketi Forest boardwalk, 40 minutes northwest of Kerikeri. Plan three full days to visit these locations plus Kerikeri’s own attractions.
Travel Tips for Kerikeri
Regular flights connect Auckland to Bay of Islands Airport (KKE), a 10-minute drive from central Kerikeri. While taxis and shuttles operate locally, renting a car makes it easier to reach rural sights like Puketi Forest. Stay at campgrounds along the river or small hotels near vineyards—book ahead from December to February. Visit between November and March for reliably warm beach weather, though light rain occurs year-round. The area gets 60% more annual rainfall than Auckland, so pack quick-dry clothing and waterproof bags for electronics.
