Kerikeri sits on the northern shore of the Bay of Islands, where New Zealand’s oldest European buildings stand beside a rushing river, subtropical gardens flourish in the warm climate, and a thriving community of artisans, growers, and craftspeople have created one of Northland’s most appealing destinations. This is a place for those who prefer farmers markets to jet boats, fine food to fast sport, and quality galleries to vibrant nightlife. Just 20 minutes from Paihia and four hours north of Auckland, Kerikeri has somehow maintained a peaceful, village-like character despite its rich history and growing reputation for excellent food and wine.
The Kerikeri Basin, known as Kororipo Pa, forms the historic heart of the township. Here, the Stone Store (1836) and Kemp House (1822) stand as New Zealand’s oldest stone building and oldest surviving building respectively, testimony to the area’s significance in the nation’s early European settlement. The Kerikeri River rushes past these heritage buildings before plunging over spectacular waterfalls just upstream. Beyond the historic precinct, Kerikeri’s fertile subtropical climate supports citrus orchards, macadamia farms, and vineyards, creating a food lover’s paradise. Art galleries and craft studios dot the surrounding countryside, while the township itself offers excellent cafés, restaurants, and a famous farmers market. For visitors to the Bay of Islands seeking culture, cuisine, and natural beauty in a relaxed setting, Kerikeri delivers without the crowds.
A Foundation of History
The Kerikeri Basin stands at the heart of New Zealand’s early history. Here, the powerful Ngāpuhi settlement of Kororipo Pa met the arrival of missionaries in 1819, creating one of the nation’s earliest sustained contacts between Māori and Europeans. Kemp House (1822) and the Stone Store (1836) remain as New Zealand’s oldest surviving building and oldest stone building respectively, tangible links to the complex relationships and dramatic events that shaped the nation. Learn more about Kerikeri’s fascinating history.
What to See & Do in Kerikeri
Historic Sites
Kerikeri Mission Station (Stone Store & Kemp House) sits at the heart of the historic Kerikeri Basin, where New Zealand’s oldest stone building (1836) and oldest surviving building (1822) stand as testament to the nation’s early mission period. The riverside grounds offer beautiful walks with views across to the ancient Kororipo Pa earthworks, illustrating the meeting of two cultures that shaped New Zealand’s history. Open daily with guided tours available.
Kororipo Pa sits across the river from the Mission Station, its terraces and defensive ditches still visible in the landscape. This was once home to the powerful Ngāpuhi chief Hongi Hika, whose warriors dominated northern New Zealand in the 1820s. Walking tracks around the pa site provide insights into traditional Māori fortification and settlement patterns. Interpretive signage helps visitors understand the site’s significance, though much of its story requires imagination to reconstruct from the earthworks that remain.
St James Anglican Church (1878) replaced earlier mission churches on this historic site. The church’s beautiful stained glass and peaceful cemetery contain graves dating back to the mission period, including some of the Kemp family members. Services are still held here on Sundays, maintaining an unbroken tradition of Christian worship in Kerikeri spanning two centuries.
Natural Attractions
Rainbow Falls is Kerikeri’s most visited natural attraction, where the Kerikeri River plunges 27 meters over a basalt cliff into a crystal-clear pool below. A well-maintained 1.5-hour return walking track leads through native bush from the car park to the falls. The track is suitable for most fitness levels and offers beautiful forest scenery. The falls are most impressive after rain when the river runs high. Swimming is possible in the pool below the falls, though the water is cold year-round. The track can be extended to include Wharepuke Falls for those wanting a longer walk.
Wharepuke Falls lies further upstream from Rainbow Falls, accessible via an extension of the Rainbow Falls track or from a separate access point. This smaller but equally beautiful waterfall offers a more intimate setting, often with fewer visitors. The 45-minute walk from Rainbow Falls to Wharepuke Falls follows the river through attractive native forest.
Kerikeri River Track connects the town with the falls, following the river upstream past the historic basin. This attractive pathway provides easy walking with river views, native plantings, and several access points from town. The full track from town to Rainbow Falls takes about 2-3 hours one way, though you can walk shorter sections or arrange transport to walk one way only.
Arts, Crafts & Culture
Kerikeri has earned a reputation as a creative hub, with artists, potters, sculptors, weavers, and craftspeople drawn to the area’s beauty and supportive community.
The Arts Trail connects studios, galleries, and craft workshops throughout the Kerikeri area, allowing visitors to watch artists at work, purchase unique pieces, and gain insights into their creative processes. Pick up an Arts Trail map from the information center to plan your route. Studios range from glass-blowing workshops to pottery studios, jewelry makers to textile artists.
Wharepuke Subtropical Garden combines exotic plantings with contemporary sculpture in a beautiful hillside setting overlooking the inlet. The 4-hectare garden features rare subtropical and tropical plants from around the world, winding paths, water features, and regular sculpture exhibitions. The garden café serves refreshments. Open daily September through May, with reduced winter hours. Allow 1-2 hours to explore.
Kauri Gallery showcases work from local and national artists across various media including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry. Regular exhibitions highlight different artists, ensuring repeat visitors always find something new.
Food, Wine & Gourmet Experiences
Kerikeri’s subtropical climate and fertile volcanic soil have made it New Zealand’s premier region for growing citrus, macadamias, avocados, and kiwifruit. This agricultural abundance, combined with nearby vineyards and a community of food-focused entrepreneurs, has created an impressive gourmet scene.
Kerikeri Farmers Market (Sundays 8:30am-12:30pm) is the best introduction to Kerikeri’s food culture, where local producers sell fresh subtropical produce, artisan cheeses, baked goods, and gourmet treats directly to customers in a buzzing community atmosphere.
Makana Confections produces handcrafted chocolate using traditional methods and natural ingredients. Their factory shop and café offers chocolate tastings, factory viewing windows, and a menu featuring chocolate in sweet and savory dishes. The Belgian hot chocolate is legendary. Open daily.
Local Wineries in the Kerikeri and wider Bay of Islands area benefit from the subtropical climate to produce distinctive wines. Marsden Estate at nearby Paihia offers wine tasting and dining with sweeping bay views. Omata Estate and Paroa Bay Winery near Russell provide additional wine experiences, all within 20-30 minutes of Kerikeri.
Cafés and Restaurants in Kerikeri township offer excellent coffee, fresh local produce, and settings ranging from casual to refined. Many emphasize paddock-to-plate philosophy, sourcing ingredients from surrounding farms and orchards. Fish from the Bay of Islands features prominently on menus. The Pear Tree café-restaurant, Food at Wharepuke in the subtropical gardens, and Café Jerusalem all receive high praise from locals and visitors.
Activities & Adventures
While Kerikeri exudes a relaxed atmosphere, its position on the Bay of Islands means adventure is never far away.
Kerikeri Inlet Cruises and Kayaking explore the peaceful waters of the inlet, passing mangrove forests, historic sites, and scenic shorelines. Kayak rentals allow independent exploration, while guided tours provide historical and ecological interpretation. The inlet’s sheltered waters suit beginners, and the scenery from the water reveals a different perspective on Kerikeri’s landscape.
Cycling on quiet rural roads and the Twin Coast Cycle Trail provides excellent exploration opportunities. The trail’s Bay of Islands section passes through Kerikeri, connecting Opua with Kawakawa and beyond. Bike rentals, including e-bikes, are available in town.
Swimming and Beaches: While Kerikeri sits on an inlet rather than the open coast, several excellent beaches lie within 15-20 minutes’ drive. Matauri Bay offers golden sand and views to the Cavalli Islands. The Kerikeri Inlet itself provides calm swimming spots, though beachgoers typically head to the coast for the classic beach experience.
Practical Info: Getting There & Visitor Tips
Getting There
From Auckland: 240km (approximately 3 hours’ drive). See detailed directions from Auckland to Kerikeri.
From Paihia: 20km (20 minutes via State Highway 10).
From Whangārei: 80km (1 hour 15 minutes).
Bay of Islands Airport (Kerikeri Airport) receives daily Air New Zealand flights from Auckland, with rental cars and shuttle services available.
Parking: Free parking available throughout town and at major attractions.
How Long to Stay
Many visitors day-trip to Kerikeri from Paihia, spending 3-5 hours exploring the historic basin and perhaps visiting Rainbow Falls or the Farmers Market (Sunday only). However, staying 2-3 nights allows time to explore historic sites, visit galleries and wineries, experience the Sunday Farmers Market, and enjoy the local food scene. Those using Kerikeri as a quieter base for exploring the wider Bay of Islands may prefer 4-5 nights.
What to Bring
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen SPF 30+, sunglasses), comfortable walking shoes, light rain jacket, and swimwear for waterfalls. If visiting the Sunday Farmers Market, bring reusable shopping bags and a cooler bag for purchases. For walking tracks, good shoes are essential as paths can be muddy after rain.
Facilities & Services
Kerikeri offers full amenities including supermarkets, banks and ATMs, medical centre and pharmacy, post office, i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, and petrol stations. Mobile phone coverage is excellent, and public toilets are located in the town centre, at the Stone Store/Kemp House, and at Rainbow Falls car park.
Getting Around Kerikeri
The town centre is compact and walkable, with the historic basin a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from the main shops. The flat terrain suits cycling, with bike rentals available for the Twin Coast Cycle Trail. A car is useful for visiting art studios, beaches, and surrounding attractions, with most accommodation providing free parking.
Visitor Tips
Sunday Morning Market: If possible, time your visit to include a Sunday morning at the Farmers Market. This is Kerikeri at its best, with the full food culture on display and genuine community atmosphere.
Combined Tickets: Purchase combined tickets for Kemp House and Stone Store for the best value. Consider also combining with visits to Russell’s Pompallier Mission for multi-site passes.
Arts Trail Planning: Pick up an Arts Trail map from the i-SITE and call ahead to studios you particularly want to visit, as some operate by appointment only.
Kerikeri as a Base: Consider staying in Kerikeri rather than busier Paihia for a quieter, more local experience while maintaining easy access to Bay of Islands attractions.
Respect Historic Sites: The Mission Station and Kororipo Pa are culturally and historically significant. Follow all guidelines, stay on marked paths, and approach these sites with respect.
Kauri Protection: When visiting Puketi Forest or any area with kauri trees, always use boot-wash stations before and after walking to help prevent kauri dieback disease.
Accessibility
Kerikeri’s main attractions offer varying levels of accessibility:
Stone Store and Kemp House: The Stone Store ground floor is wheelchair accessible. Kemp House has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. The grounds offer level paths with beautiful river views suitable for those with mobility limitations.
Rainbow Falls: The main lookout near the car park is accessible via a short, paved path. The walking track to the falls base has steps and uneven surfaces not suitable for wheelchairs.
Wharepuke Subtropical Garden: Some paths are accessible, though the hillside setting includes slopes and steps. Contact ahead regarding specific accessibility needs.
Town Centre: Mostly accessible with level footpaths and accessible parking.
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Tours & Activities
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Food & Drink
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