General Information

1Kerikeri sits on the westernmost reaches of one of New Zealand’s most popular marine playgrounds. It occupies a pivotal point on Northland’s Twin Coast Discovery Highway. It is set in against a backdrop of orchards, rolling green pastures and hills. It was New Zealand's earliest missionary settlement. Steeped in history it still contains some beautiful examples of early colonial architecture. The Bay of Islands Airport is only about a 10 minute drive away and 2Paihia about 20min drive.

Attractions and Activities

Kerikeri has plenty to offer the visitor: Enjoy a scenic flight. Visit a Winery View the 27 metre Rainbow Falls (4Waianiwaniwa). They are one of the most visited attractions in the district. You can drive almost to the falls, but the best way is to walk from the Stone Store basin. Cruise the Kerikeri Inlet aboard a steamship See an authentic Māori fishing village and pa.

An event which attracts hundreds of contestants on a yearly basis is the Kerikeri Half Marathon. This event can be done as a walk or run. The Centre at Kerikeri is New Zealand ’s newest entertainment, events and conference facility. This centre regularly features acts of national and international calibre. An event held every Sunday from nine am till noon is the Bay of Islands Farmers Market is a gate to plate market. This market is seen as a gathering point for people wanting to buy locally grown fresh, fruit, vegetables, and other specialty foods. Five minutes drive north of Kerikeri is the town of Waipapa , where the Waipapa Market thrives the second Sunday of every month. All sorts of crafts and produce is available, and the markets hours ten am to three pm . Waipapa also hosts Fun Skating at the Bay Sport Stadium, Harmony Lane , Waipapapa, every Friday night with food and drinks available.

History

Kerikeri was home ground for the fearsome Hongi Hika, a Māori chief who terrorised many tribes throughout the North Island in the early 1800s. Yet he was kind to missionaries - allowing them to establish New Zealand 's second mission station here, Kemp House, built in 1821-22. A chapel was built in 1824 which also served as a school. The Church Missionary Society bought about 50sq kms of land from the Maori Chief Rewa in 1831, the land on which Kerikeri stands today.

For art lovers the Kerikeri Arts and Craft Trail. Enjoy a great choice of casual and fine dining at the village centre. Check out the Stone Store, Kemp House and nearby 3Waimate Mission House, all built in the 1800's. Kerikeri also has excellent sporting facilities including golf, all-weather tennis, and yachting.

Shopping

Kerikeri has a thriving retail economy with two large supermarkets and many small retailers. A Farmers Market offering fresh locally grown produce is held every Sunday morning in the Post Shop carpark and has proved to be a very popular event. Kerikeri has several restaurants offering authentic foods from around the world.

Maori Translations