Exploring Kerikeri in Northland
Kerikeri, a charming town in the Bay of Islands in Northland with a population of around 8,000, is known for its scenic beauty and early New Zealand history. The town centre, set away from the main highway, is well-maintained and features several restaurants and cafés. Palm trees add to the town centre’s appeal. On the outskirts, horticultural farms dominate the landscape, accompanied by occasional shops and cafés.
Historical Attractions in Kerikeri
Kerikeri is steeped in history, with significant sites located around the Kerikeri Basin, where the river meets the inlet. This was a centre of early Māori-European interactions, and where Ngāpuh iwii, led by Hongi Hika, brought European missionaries and traders to live alongside his Kororipo Pā. The nearby Stone Store and Mission House were amongst the first European buildings in New Zealand.
These landmarks are easily accessible, just a 6-minute drive from the town centre, depending on your parking choice around the basin.
Trails, Waterfalls and Native Trees
The Kerikeri River Walk offers a delightful forest experience with two stunning waterfalls: Rainbow Falls and Wharepoke Falls. You can also explore two shorter tracks leading to waterfalls, Charlies Rock and Te Wairere Falls.
Kerikeri serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Northland region. Within a 30-minute drive, you can reach the Puketi Forest to the west, where you can find the Puketi Forest Nature Trail and the Manginangina Kauri Walk.
To the northeast, you can access a charming beach at Opito Bay and another nearby historic pā site at Akeake Point Historic Reserve.
A Quirky Moniker
Kerikeri is affectionately known as "It's So Nice They Named It Twice." This quirky nickname originated from an anonymous backpacker's comment in the Visitors' Book at the Kerikeri Youth Hostel in the 1980s. The phrase gained popularity after it was published in the Kerikeri Chronicle.
Getting to Kerikeri
Kerikeri is approximately a 3-hour and 20-minute drive from Auckland, a distance of 240 km. The journey primarily follows State Highway 1, with a short section on State Highway 10. The town is also located 80 km north of Whangārei, Northland's only city.
Nearby, you can explore the Bay of Islands, including Haruru Falls, Waitangi, Paihia, Russell and Maiki Hill.
