6 Top Attractions in KeriKeri, New Zealand

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

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If you are travelling around New Zealand, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see like these attractions in Kerikeri.

Need a Car?

If you want to book a car, you can try using one of these car rental websites, EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars, Expedia or RentalCars.

Need Accommodation?

Try using these accommodation websites to find a comfortable place to sleep after your day exploring, Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia.

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Historical Attractions in KeriKeri

Mission House

Just out of the township is the location of the Mission House and Stone Store. 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 state as possible, and only by guided tour are you able to go through. The Historic Place Trust is preserving the building for generations to come.

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, this building was taken over by the Kemp family after the mission’s closure in 1848. It was still operated as a store which it is doing even today. In 1976 the New Zealand Historic Places Trust took over from the Kemp family, and today it’s a gift shop, the place where the tours start and the museum upstairs.

For NZD$15, I did the informed, guided tour of Kemp House and 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 of the area. This is a must-see for anyone who likes to read up on 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.

Tour Times

Summer tours operate between 10 am and 4 pm and winter tours are available from 10 am to 2.30 pm. All times are subject to availability.

Admission

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

St. James Church

Another building in the area is St. James Church, built in 1878. It is still in use today as a church with services.
It is from the end of the car park below St. James’ Church that the walk to Kororipo Pa and Wairere Falls begins. 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 about 40 minutes 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 and one of the great attractions in Kerikeri as you get away from the crowds.

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

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

Seeing these attractions in Kerikeri is a great day out for all ages, solo travellers or families. You get a great history lesson into early European and Maori settlements in New Zealand and fresh air amongst nature.

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

Where I Stayed

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

This sustainable youth hostel has solar power, private or dorm rooms, and a large courtyard with picnic tables, where you can swap stories with your 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 km 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 on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.

Travel Resources

• Flights, Accommodation & Car Hire – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Hopper and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
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• Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
• Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured 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 has house sits all around the world for you to try.
• 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 is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).

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