Kerikeri: History and riverside trails

Kerikeri combines an important history in the Kerikeri Basin with trails along the Kerikeri River. This gives you two distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: architectural and trading history on the one hand, and native vegetation and waterfall views on the other. If you are considering a stay in Kerikeri, you can decide whether historic sites or trails through the landscape should take centre stage.

History and culture in the Kerikeri Basin

The Stone Store was built between 1832 and 1836 and is New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building. It is also regarded as New Zealand’s oldest surviving commercial building. Its national and international significance lies in the way it illustrates the early stages of the country’s connections with international trade.

The two great cultures of New Zealand first met in the Kororipo-Kerikeri Basin, where they lived, worked and traded together. Te Ahurea is a Māori cultural and historical experience in the Kerikeri Basin, next to historic Kororipo Pā, the Stone Store and the Mission House. Te Ahurea’s self-guided tour leads through the village, native bush and gardens. The Basin therefore offers different ways to explore history and culture, from its trading and architectural heritage to a walk through the village, bush and gardens.

Riverside trails and Rainbow Falls

The Kerikeri River Track follows the banks of the Kerikeri River through regenerating forest. Stands of young kauri and tōtara trees, along with other native vegetation, line the trail. The track begins at Kerikeri Basin Reserve and ends at Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri. It is also part of the Te Araroa Trail. These landmarks help you understand the route, while the vegetation gives you a sense of its surroundings.

The short, easy Rainbow Falls Walk is suitable for strollers and leads to Rainbow Falls on the Kerikeri River. Two viewing points look out over the falls, and a third is near a historic weir. When choosing an activity, different details may be relevant: for the River Track, the route, forest and vegetation are described; for the Rainbow Falls Walk, the short distance, stroller accessibility and viewing points.

Getting to Kororipo Heritage Park

Kororipo Heritage Park is at the end of Kerikeri Inlet, above the Kerikeri Basin, and can be reached by car or on foot. It takes about 20 minutes to walk there from the centre of Kerikeri. From Kerikeri Road, follow the Te Araroa Trail signs; the route crosses the river on a footbridge. The approximate walking time refers to the walk from the town centre to the park.

Fishing may also be part of your plans: fishing is permitted in the Kerikeri River. Fishing licences and information are available from Fish & Game New Zealand.

More to explore in the Far North District

The wider Far North District offers other distinct themes in different locations. The Te Ahu Museum at the Te Ahu Centre in Kaitāia presents the history of the Far North District. This includes pre-European Māori artefacts, gold mining, Dalmatian heritage, kauri gum and timber, early shipwrecks, and missionaries and pioneers. The museum offers films, interactive exhibits, virtual landscape tours and informative displays for visitors of all ages. Its archive includes documents, journals, newspapers, maps and photographs; more than 500 records are available online.

The Te Paki Coastal Track offers another distinct perspective on the landscape of the wider Far North District, passing views of the northern coastline, regenerating bush and large wind-shaped sand dunes. You can walk the full track or selected sections; there are four campsites along the route. Operating conditions and possible closures may change.

Discover more destinations: Waipoua Forest, Te Kao, Okaihau, Waipapakauri, Te Tii, Kawakawa, Taipa-Mangonui, Russell

Back to the broader travel guide: Far North District.