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.

Historical Highlights of Kerikeri

The Kerikeri Mission House, the country's oldest house, built by John Butler in 1821, and the Mission's Stone Store dating from 1832 and 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.

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.

Kerikeri Today

Kerikeri overflows with orchards and galleries, fruit and art. All along the roadside, orchards sell their delicious oranges, kiwi fruit and avocados. Follow the art and craft trail and you'll get to know some of the artisans.

Visit the wineries, lunch in one of the many outdoor cafés, indulge in delicious handmade chocolates or locally made macadamia liqueur. Kerikeri also has excellent sporting facilities including golf, all-weather tennis and yachting. Expect a good choice of cafés and restaurants.

Farmers' Market in Kerikeri

The Bay of Islands Farmers’ Market, which is held in Kerikeri every Sunday morning, is a much more leisurely affair. It began in October 2004 and is currently the country’s largest market of its type. As well as fresh regional grown vegetables, it attracts speciality produce and gourmet goods including locally roasted coffee. Subtropical fruit abounds, whether in preserves, jams or jellies.

Information above was supplied by www.northlandnz.com