Welcome to Kerikeri. Here you can learn about NewZealand’s rich history, browse art galleries, and enjoy fresh local produce in fantastic restaurants. The town is full of character, charm and flavour, with magnificent scenery, just waiting to be explored.
Learn the Local History
Kerikeri has a long and colourful history, dating from Māori times, right up to British colonisation. The area was home to Hongi Hika, the formidable Māori chief who waged war against many tribes throughout the North Island in the early 1800s. Hongi Hika had a fearsome reputation during the Musket Wars, yet he embraced missionaries and allowed Samuel Marsden to establish New Zealand’s second mission station here.
The result was Kerikeri Mission Station, also known as Kemp House, which is still standing today, and is New Zealand’s oldest European building. The house was built for the Reverend John Butler in 1821 and has since been placed under the protection of the Historic Places Trust. A visit here is a must-do, as there is so much to see and learn about.
Not far from Kemp House is the Stone Store, which dates back to 1832 and lays claim to being New Zealand's oldest stone building. The building was designed by Wesleyan missionary John Hobbs and built by an ex-convict stonemason from New South Wales. The store was built to house large quantities of wheat from the mission farm at Te Waimate.
Visit Rainbow Falls
One of the best things to do in town is to visit the impressive and picturesque Rainbow Falls. Rising to a height of 27 metres, the falls provide picture-perfect photo opportunities that can be captured from multiple angles. There is a viewing platform just a short walk away from the Waipapa Road car park. Visitors can also walk down to the base of the falls. For the more adventurous, there’s also the opportunity to unleash your inner Tarzan and walk behind the cascading water. For more outdoor adventures, follow the Kerikeri River Track as it winds its way through native bushland.
See Native Birdlife at Aroha Island
New Zealand is famous for its unique native birdlife. There are many species that are endemic to the country. For a chance to see some of these beautiful creatures for yourself, head for Aroha Island, a bird sanctuary situated around 12km from Kerikeri. If you’re a nature person, this is a place you’ll love, with everything from tracks to kayaking available to explore the mangroves and native bushland. Visitors also have the option to stay the night here, with excellent and affordable camping available.
Explore the Bay of Islands
With Paihia a short drive to the south, Kerikeri is the perfect place from which to explore the Bay of Islands. Here you can get out on the water, swim with dolphins, fish for marlin, and sea kayak between islands and beaches to explore the area for yourself. This is a place of absolute solitude.
New Zealand’s North Island is absolutely stunning. Wherever you choose to explore, you’ll get there in a rental car from Hertz.
