Top Thing To Do In Kerikeri | Kerikeri Day Trip| Your guide to Kerikeri New Zealand

March 18, 2018 Jacq Comments 0 Comment

Looking for that small town feel but still want a unique vibe and a plethora of things to do?!? If so, Kerikeri is the town for you. Located on the North Island of New Zealand, this Bay of Island town has so much to offer…history, nature, waterfalls, delish eats, wine, and so much more. Let’s waste no time, here is your guide to Kerikeri!

The Details

Located in The Bay of Island, Kerikeri is a three hour drive from Auckland or a very short 40 minute plane ride away. Known for it’s laid back and relaxed vibe this bayside town is very popular with kiwis wanting to escape the city life for a weekend getaway. However, don’t let this laidback lifestyle fool you. There is so much to see and do in Kerikeri that odds are you’ll be out and about exploring the moment you arrive. Let’s check out my favorite things to do in KeriKeri.

Stone Stone

If you’re a history buff the first place to visit in Kerikeri is the Stone Store. Well actually the second. The first should be grabbing breakfast at The Village Cafe in central Kerikeri. I stayed with my kiwi friend when in The Bay of Islands and she took me here. Always trust a local… always!! She didn’t let me down. The food was amazing. So first things first, head to The Village Cafe and grab a bite.

Now that your tummy is full of deliciousness jump in the car and head on over to the Stone Store you history buff you! Why is the Stone Store so important you ask? Well it’s the oldest stone building still standing in New Zealand. Built in 1832 the Stone Store has served a variety of purposes from a warehouse, to a trading post, and even a school. Today the Stone Store has a gift shop on the first level which sells merchandise resembling that which would have been in the 19th century trading post along with local kiwi finds. And on the second floor is a museum for viewing. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the Store Stone and Kemp House for $10.00 (rate in Jan 2018). Here is more information on the tour and others that are offered for visitors.

Te Wairere Waterfall

Once your done visiting the Stone Store and visiting the surrounding grounds head on a bush walk to visit the newly accessible and true hidden gem, Te Wairere Waterfall. This waterfall was actually inaccessible for 60 years but in April 2017 the waterfall received a trail and became open and accessible to the public. Yipppee! Here is information on how to access the new trail from the Stone Store. This waterfall is also accessible from town center. Here is more information on reaching the falls from Kerikeri town center.

We opted to take the trail located near the Stone Store. It’s a longer walk than the option for town center but if you have more time I recommend this walk, it’s a beautiful way to spend your day in Kerikeri. It will take roughly 40-50 minutes to reach the falls and then you return on the same trail. It’s a relatively easy walk however the trail is uneven in spots and follows a small stream, so if it does rain it could be a bit slippery. It would be best to wear suitable footwear. Enjoy your surroundings, admire the native New Zealand Silver Fern, and appreciate that you’re visiting falls that just became available to the public is 2017!

Rainbow Falls

Obviously you can see there is no shortage of beautiful waterfalls in Kerikeri. Rainbow Falls has easy to access viewing areas both above the falls and at the base of the falls. It is also a very short walk from the car park to all viewing locations. A paved path takes you to both areas. However, if you are looking for more of a workout you can take the 4.3 meter walking path by the Stone Store.

The falls are 27 meters high and are surrounded by native New Zealand bush. Locals agree this is one of the best waterfalls in the Northland region. Here is more information on getting to the falls, where to view, and conservation.