Kerikeri
Kerikeri is rich in history with several nationally significant historical sites and has grown into a vibrant and fashionable market centre for the Bay of Islands as well as a hub for local artists and artisans.
Kerikeri was home ground for the fearsome Hongi Hika, a Maori chief who terrorised many tribes throughout the North Island in the early 1800s. Yet he was kind to missionaries - allowing Samuel Marsden to establish New Zealand's second mission station here.
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The Kerikeri Mission House, the country's oldest house built by John Butler in 1821, and the Mission's Stone Store dating from 1832 is New Zealand's oldest stone building. These wonderful buildings are regarded as the "Cradle of the Nation", and are a must for all visitors to the Bay of Islands. A replica pre - European Maori fishing settlement is located nearby.
The area is well known for its orchards, vineyards and art galleries, and it has become an epicurean destination of note. There’s a lively café scene, good restaurants and wineries as well as several gourmet food producers to visit - indulge in delicious handmade chocolates or locally made macadamia liqueur.
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You’ll also notice signs to the studios of potters, painters and other artists. Follow the art and craft trail and you'll get to know some of the artisans. Kerikeri has its own natural skincare range, ‘made of New Zealand’.
Kerikeri also has excellent sporting facilities including golf, all-weather tennis and yachting.
Within minutes by car or an hour's walk from the Kerikeri Basin car park is the 27 metre Rainbow Falls. Further afield lies the Puketi Forest, an ideal place to tramp and view kauri trees from a boardwalk which also has wheelchair access.
The Mission House at Waimate North is just a little north of Ohaeawai. The only survivor of three mission houses built in 1832; it contains a fine collection of period furniture and early tools.
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