Kerikeri Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kerikeri
Stone Store showing farmland and a house
Stone Store showing a park and wild flowers
Kerikeri
Makana Confections which includes interior views and food as well as a small group of people

Travel to this lively town in the sunny Bay of Islands region to discover the historic charm and subtropical flavours of this early Māori-British trading post.

As the largest town in Northland, Kerikeri is considered to be the heart of the Bay of Islands region, along with nearby Paihia on the coast. Base yourself here to enjoy the fresh produce, subtropical gardens and artistic shops and galleries and explore Māori and early colonial history in the Basin.

To get a feel for the town, browse the boutique shops along Main Street and enjoy a coffee or meal in one of the many cafés. See Te Whiringa o Manoko, a sculpture of stacked stones in the Kerikeri Domain and visit the Kaan Zamaan Gallery for artistic inspiration.

Follow the snaking Kerikeri River to the Kerikeri Inlet to the east and explore the picture-perfect Kerikeri Basin. It is centered on the Kerikeri Mission Station, where you can visit two of New Zealand’s oldest colonial buildings. First see the old Kemp House, built around 1820, then buy hand-crafted gifts in the Stone Store. The store’s period decor and costumed staff take you right back to the early trading days when kauri gum was sold here.

From the bridge, spot the whirlpools where fearless Māori warriors used to swirl their hand-carved wakas around in before paddling out to war. Their canoes could be seen from Kororipo Pā, a former Māori stronghold.

Across the river is Rewa’s Village. Discover the Māori way of life in this replica fishing village with Discoverers' Garden. Follow the nearby sculpture trail within the Wharepuke Subtropical Gardens or take the kids to the lush realms and fun birds of the Parrot Place.

Back at the bridge, follow the Kerikeri River Track through the rainforest until you reach a fresh-water pool below low waterfalls. Dip in on a hot day to cool off before hiking to the 88-feet (27-meter) Rainbow Falls.

Kerikeri is the citrus capital of New Zealand, so be sure to sample the fresh produce. Follow the Vineyard Trail west of town for wine tastings and sample hand-made chocolates at Makana Confections. Drop in at Pete’s Pioneers Transport Museum to browse his collection of vintage vehicles.

Kerikeri is only about a 3.5-hour drive north of Auckland, but with its subtropical setting and historic charm, you feel as if you are a world away from New Zealand’s biggest city.

Stay Kerikeri Boutique Apartments and Studios

Stay Kerikeri Boutique Apartments and Studios

4 out of 5
136 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri, Northland
The price is NZ$235 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
NZ$235
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Kerikeri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Fairy Pools and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (252 reviews)
"Friendly staff"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Stay Kerikeri Boutique Apartments and Studios
Kauri Park Motel

Kauri Park Motel

4 out of 5
512 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri
The price is NZ$196 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
NZ$196
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified motel in Kerikeri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (454 reviews)
"Staff is friendly and very helpful. Easy access to the center of town, printout guides on were and what to do during the stay. will be back in the future again and will recommencement for friends and family."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Kauri Park Motel
Kerikeri Park Lodge

Kerikeri Park Lodge

3.5 out of 5
494b Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri
The price is NZ$186 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
NZ$186
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Kerikeri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (292 reviews)
"Gorgeous staff and environment"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Kerikeri Park Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay Kerikeri Boutique Apartments and Studios

Stay Kerikeri Boutique Apartments and Studios

4 out of 5
136 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri, Northland
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Kerikeri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Fairy Pools and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (252 reviews)
"Friendly staff"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Stay Kerikeri Boutique Apartments and Studios
Kerikeri Park Lodge

Kerikeri Park Lodge

3.5 out of 5
494b Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Kerikeri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (292 reviews)
"Gorgeous staff and environment"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Kerikeri Park Lodge
Kerikeri, Bay of Islands - Large Coastal Home in Private Bay with beach access

Kerikeri, Bay of Islands - Large Coastal Home in Private Bay with beach access

Kerikeri
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Kerikeri. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Opito Bay and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Unbelievable
"Jesse, the owner was so helpful. Great location, so much room for our families and well stocked kitchen. We can’t recommend the property or Jesse enough!"

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2023

Kerikeri, Bay of Islands - Large Coastal Home in Private Bay with beach access
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Kerikeri

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
57
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
42
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great shopping and cafes, lots of choice for a small town

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful place...everyone courteous and friendly.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Unfortunately experiences of racial profiling in many of the shops we visited, which made us uncomfortable and we decided not to visit shops in the area unless absolutely necessary for groceries.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very neat tidy and friendly town.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very busy since last I was here

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A buzzy happy place to go for summer...

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