Kerikeri is a classic destination when visiting New Zealand – for great reason! It’s a perfect jumping-off point for the Bay of Islands, while having loads of character and attractions of its own. These two are even free – bonus!
We visited Kerikeri at the very end of December, as a day trip from our Opua base. Even though Bay of Islands was busy with holiday-makers about to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Kerikeri itself was supremely chill.
On a boiling hot day there was little question in our mind that our first destination had to be Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa). Just outside town, a short walk from the carpark will lead you to this stunning 27m waterfall.
At the top of the falls you can just make out the remains of the area’s first power-generation plant, which opened in 1930 to 17 customers!
But the real attraction for us lay at the base, where it’s safe and glorious to swim.
Chilly waters, but well worth the inching in – look how clear they are!
And you can climb behind the waterfall – can you spot the swimmers?
Refreshed, we made our way to the nearby Kerikeri Mission Station, home to New Zealand’s oldest store.
Built in 1832 and claiming to have continuously traded ever since, the Stone Store was built at the Kerikeri Mission Station, one of the first places in New Zealand where Māori invited settlers to live with them. Beautiful Kemp house, on the right, is even older than the store (and that’s very old for New Zealand European buildings!).
Above on the left you can make out the remains of the Kororipo pā site that once protected the mission. Māori pā were mainly wood and earth fortifications, so generally the easiest way to spot one now is rolling slopes, where vegetables were grown and fences staked, leading up to a flat hilltop!
The grounds of the mission site are just gorgeous, all immaculate paths and beautiful gardens. Behind the mission sits The Pear Tree, which I can vouch for having insanely good food!
Inside the Stone Store still sells a lot of what it would have sold back in the mission station days – although updated in style and price! It also has a ton of cute souvenirs and Kiwiana – kitsch gifts and art from years gone by.
If you’re visiting the Bay of Islands, make sure you check out Kerikeri – it’s the perfect relaxing introduction to some of New Zealand’s beautiful scenery and history.
Have you visited Kerikeri?
Want more? Check out Hitting the Tourist Trail in Northland
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