Kerikeri

Spend a day exploring this historic town!

New Zealand’s oldest settlement,Kerikeri was established in 1819 as a Mission settlement . Historic buildings to visit are :

• Kemp House built in 1821-22 , New Zealand’s oldest wooden house.

• The Stone Store was built 1832-34. You really feel you have moved back into another time with displays which are of the era.

A new bypass has just been built to preserve the Store from destruction from flood waters.The bridge over the river which created the problem, has been demolished .

Kerikeri which enjoys a subtropical climate, is a citrus fruit and kiwifruit growing area. In the season you can buy large bags of fruit on the road side. Popular with retirees for it’s climate, and outdoor lifestyle,( many have their boats moored in the river) - there is a few hours to fill here.

Wineries

• Cottle Hill is highly recommended.They have a particularly nice Rose!

  It is a very interesting visit. The American owner and his wife are happy to share thier experiences with you and the meals are very nice, eaten overlooking the vineyard. Located just before the roundabout where you turn into Kerikeri, up a short side road. It is sign posted.

• Marsden Winery is another with an excellent selection of wines, and very excellent meals. You can sit under the grapevines sheltering you from the hot sun, or just do some wine tasting.
• Omata Estate is another Northland winery worth the visit.

Kerikeri Road - the Main road into Town

• The Palm Garden Centre only a few metres down the road is intriguing, with a huge variety of many mature palms.
• The Cafe right next door has very good meals, and a childrens outdoor play area .The name escapes me, but you can’t miss it!

Further down you will come to a cluster of shops.

• The Makana Chocolate Factory will mark the spot! Go in and sample, while you watch the chocolates being handmade.
• Next door, Wyldwoode is a woodware shop with many lovely products crafted from New Zealand timbers. Across the road is a Ceramics workshop.
• <Pete's Pioneer Transport Museum is a little further on.
• The Kauri Workshop is another woodware outlet using New Zealand's unique kauri wood.
• Drop in to the Ariki coffee roasters. I bought some before they were fully opened, and it was wonderful coffee.
• Lunch at the Garden Centre - with a huge choice of delicious snacks and lunch meals. Windows pushed back, huge garden pots, and crowds of people will lead you here.
• Go to the far end of the main street and you will come to my favourite shop Enz of the Earth It looks like a Bali Garden, and has a treasure trove of products from there. Out the back is a courtyard with a beautiful tropical garden.
• Down the hill to the Stone Store you come to another beautiful garden you should visit - Wharepuke Subtropical Gardens

More Interesting Sightseeing

• An intriguing Kerikeri product is the kauri Kaleidoscopes! You will find them on Waipapa Road.A very novel souvenir!
• If you want to follow the Art and Craft Trail email :

  visitorinfo@fndc.govt.nz for a brochure and map.

• Follow the path by the old white cafe across from the stone store for a pleasant walk by the river.
• Kororipo Pa( a Maori fortress) and
• Rewa's Village which is a recontructed Maori Village are interesting cultural stops.
• For a really fascinating experience which children will just love........ do the one hour Steamboat Cruise on the "S.S. Eliza Hobson" a cute little historic steamboat that plies the Kerikeri inlet. Leaving from the Stone Store Wharf every day except Saturday at 2.00 or 3.00 pm

• There is a Farmer's Market which will have all local produce every Sunday.