6 Top Attractions in KeriKeri, New Zealand

Kerikeri is more than just the fruit bowl of the north. Kerikeri has attractions that showcase its recent history, dating back to the arrival of the first Europeans, and features two of New Zealand’s oldest buildings. It also features waterfalls and bush walks, and these attractions in Kerikeri will keep you busy all day.

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Historical Attractions in KeriKeri

Mission House

The Mission House and Stone Store are located just outside the township. The Mission House was completed in 1822 as part of the Kerikeri Mission Station. It is also known as Kemp House after the family that lived there from mid-1832 until 1974, when Ernest Kemp presented the house to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
It is now kept in as original a state as possible, and guided tours are the only available option. The Historic Place Trust is preserving the building for future generations.

Stone Store

Next door to the Mission House is the Stone Store, the oldest stone building in New Zealand. Built between 1832 and 1836, it was used as a storehouse for the mission. Once again, the Kemp family took over after the mission’s closure in 1848. In 1976, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust took over from the Kemp family. Today, it features a gift shop with a museum upstairs, where tours begin.

In 2019, for NZD$15, I took the informed and guided tour of Kemp House and received entry to the museum. There are 200 years of history on display on the upper two floors of the Stone Store. There is plenty of reading material about the inhabitants, both Maori and European. It also provides stories of the trials and wars that have occurred in the area. This is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about characters and history. You also get to see the implements used at the time.

Hours

Daily 10 am – 5 pm Nov-Apr

Daily 10 am – 4 pm May-Oct

Closed Christmas Day. Closed on Anzac Day (25 April) until 1.00 pm.

The Honey House Cafe is open Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm.

Tour Times

November to April tours operate between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and May to October tours are available from 10.30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All times are subject to availability. Enquire at the Stone Store to confirm staff availability.

Admission

Click here to find the current admission prices to the Mission House and Stone Store.

St. James Church

Another notable building in the area is St. James Church, which was built in 1878. It is still used as a church and has weekly services.
The walk to Kororipo Pa and Wairere Falls begins from the end of the car park below St. James’ Church. The walk to the Pa isn’t far, and you get excellent views across Kerikeri Inlet, Mission House and the Stone Store. You can also see how the water winds its way toward the ocean.

Nature’s Attractions in KeriKeri

Te Wairere Falls

The walk to Te Wairere Falls is in the opposite direction. It takes approximately 40 minutes to walk from the car park along a rocky track beside the Wairoa Stream. It’s a pleasant walk on a hot day under the trees, with a rewarding swim below the waterfall at the end. It’s one of the great attractions in Kerikeri, as it offers a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Back at the settlement, there is a café for refreshments before heading over the bridge to Rewa’s Village. This is a replica of a Maori fishing village, featuring gardens of native plants and abundant wildlife.

Wharepoke Falls and Rainbow Falls

Opposite Rewa’s Village is the track to two more waterfalls, Wharepoke Falls and Rainbow Falls, both on the Kerikeri River. It’s a two-hour return walk from Rainbow Falls but only 20 minutes to Wharepoke Falls. If you are into immersing yourself in nature, then this walk and these two waterfalls are must-see attractions in Kerikeri.

This easy walk ambles beside the river, giving you glimpses now and then.

To view Rainbow Falls, it’s only a few steps from the car park off Rainbow Falls Road onto a platform if you don’t want to walk from the Stone Store attractions. Alternatively, it’s only a 5-minute walk down the path to see Rainbow Falls in front of you and the swimming hole. There are great views of the Falls from the top and beside the river.

Conclusion

Visiting these attractions in Kerikeri is a great day out for all ages, including solo travellers and families. You get a great history lesson on early European and Māori settlements in New Zealand, along with fresh air and a chance to experience nature.

Hopefully, you can find the time to see these attractions in Kerikeri. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information on what else to do in the area, you can visit my blog, Visit Historic Russell. Want to take a tour? You can read my blogs, The Cream Trip, 1 Amazing Day Cruising in the Bay of Islands or 1 Amazing Tour to Cape Reinga. You may also want to learn about New Zealand’s history by reading my blog, A 1-Day Trip to Waitangi.

Where I Stayed

I stayed in the Paihia YHA, Bay of Islands Lodge, which is close to everything in Paihia.

This sustainable youth hostel features solar power, private and dorm rooms, and a large courtyard with picnic tables, where you can swap stories with fellow travellers at the end of the day.

It’s a short walk to the shops in Paihia, cruises, or the beach, and only three and a half kilometres to Waitangi.

Facilities

• Solar Powered
• Free Wifi
• Free Onsite Car Parking
• Communal Kitchen (with food storage area), Dining and Lounge Rooms
• Recycling Stations
• Herb Garden
• Outdoor area with BBQ
• Games and Book Exchange
• Laundry Facilities
• Wheelchair Accessible
• 24-Hour Guest Access and After-hours Check-in on Request
• Hair Dryers
• Towel Hire
• Hot Water Bottles
• Travel and Activity Bookings

I have stayed here twice now and would highly recommend it. You feel as though you have a home away from home.

How To Get Here

The Bay of Islands Lodge is at 11 MacMurray Road, Paihia.

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Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them at the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their respective links.

Travel Resources

• Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
• Car Hire— In New Zealand, you can use Apex Car Rentals New Zealand, Avis New Zealand or Budget New Zealand for all your travelling and exploring needs.
• Camper & RV Rentals—Want a quieter pace exploring Australia and New Zealand in your own accommodation? Jucy Rentals and Star RV Rentals will give you an unforgettable experience travelling.
• Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
• Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
• House Sitting is a great way to save on accommodation, and Trusted Housesitters offers house sittings worldwide.
• Photo Editing is a great way to bring your photos to life, and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
• Visa Applications—apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
• Sim cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
• Power Stations—Bluetti and EcoFlow Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.

• For more tips, try my Travel Links and Resources page.

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