Kerikeri is a town of about five thousand, three hour’s drive north of Auckland. The area has a lovely temperate climate year-round.
It was the site of the first permanent mission station in New Zealand, and is not far from Waitangi, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed in 1840.
Kerikeri is the site of Mission House, the oldest wooden structure still standing in New Zealand. It was built by the Church Missionary Society in 1822.
Close by is the Stone Store, the oldest stone building in the country, erected in 1832. It’s a remarkably preserved two-storey structure over-looking the river.
Opposite that is Rewa’s Village, a replica of a Maori fishing village.
A short drive away you’ll find the Waianiwaniwa falls on the Kerikeri river, and the Fairy Pools. The beautifully clear water is surrounded by lush semi-tropical bush.
A little further is Matauri Bay, very popular with divers since the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior was scuttled there.
