Kerikeri accommodation from AU$174

History

Sometimes called "the cradle of the nation", Kerikeri is the place where Maoris welcomed European missionaries to NZ’s shores in 1819. It was the country’s first permanent mission station, and as a result, its historical buildings are among its main attractions.

Things to see and do

The Stone Store is New Zealand’s oldest stone building, built between 1832 and 1836 by a team that included convict William Parrott. The nearby Kemp House is the oldest European building still standing, and together they’re the sole survivors from the Church Missionary Society’s second NZ mission. Rewa’s Village is a replica Maori fishing village, complete with thatched huts in the serene forest.

When it’s time for a dose of nature, Kerikeri has Palmco Garden for palm tree lovers and Wharepuke Gardens for rare subtropical plants. The Rainbow Falls Walk is a short walk with a huge reward. Take a pleasant walk through the bush for ten minutes and you’ll arrive at a swimming hole with a waterfall over scrub and rocks.

If you’re an art lover, check out the many galleries in and around Kerikeri Road.

And of course you’ll want to spend time in the rest of the Bay of Islands. Go camping, yachting or wildlife-spotting in a lovely destination like Urupukapuka Island, or just lay back and relax on a golden sand beach like Pahia Beach.

Shopping and dining

Kerikeri has book shops, confectionary stores and many, many arts and crafts shops. This town also has Asian restaurants, lovely cafes, and lush green vineyards where you can pair that wine with a sumptuous lunch.

Getting here

Once you’ve sussed your Kerikeri accommodation, book your cheap flight to Auckland with us too. Chances are you’ll like Auckland so much you’ll want to stay a while. You’ll probably even want to explore the rest of New Zealand too. It’s a fascinating country, and where better to start your journey than at the very top in Kerikeri?