Kerikeri

In Kerikeri you can dip into New Zealand history, browse art galleries and enjoy fresh local produce. This town is full of character and flavour.

The road leading into Kerikeri is bordered by orchards. Roadside stalls offer the chance to buy seasonal fruit. Look also for signs showing the way to artists’ studios – resident potters and painters have given this district a creative personality. The town itself is full of galleries, cafés and gourmet food shops. While it has a contemporary buzz about it, the area is entwined with history. New Zealand's oldest house (Kemp House built in 1821) and the Stone Store (1832) are local icons. At the Kerikeri basin, you can see the remains of the terraced pa site, Kororipo. Other local attractions include a replica pre-European Maori village and the walk to Rainbow Falls.

Functional facts: Approx. population 5900, visitor centre, domestic airport.