Kerikeri is a thriving boutique town with cafe/restaurants, arts and crafts and wineries surrounded by subtropical fruit orchards
Kerikeri is a popular tourist destination about three hours drive north of Auckland and 80 kilometres north of Whangarei.
Kerikeri is the largest town in the Bay of Islands New Zealand, with a population of approx. 6,000 people. Growth has been boosted by new residents from overseas as well as New Zealand, attracted by the pleasant location and way of life.
Kerikeri Inlet
Bay of Islands
Kerikeri lies at the western extremity of the Kerikeri Inlet, a north western arm of the Bay of Islands. It is a 20 minute drive to the tourist areas of Paihia and Waitangi.Kerikeri airport also known as the Bay of Islands airport (BOI) is 7 minutes from Kerikeri.
Kerikeri History
The Kerikeri Basin is New Zealand's most historic site of national importance.
It is where Maori welcomed missionaries in 1819 to establish the first permanent Mission Station. This established the framework for New Zealand's bi-cultural society.
New Zealand's oldest house, Kemp House (1821-22) and NZ's most well known icon, the Stone Store (1832-36) are maintained on behalf of the people of New Zealand by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Adjacent is the Maori pa site, Kororipo.
Known as the 'fruit bowl of the north', Kerikeri has sheltered orchards and market gardens. First planted in the 1920s, they produce citrus, kiwifruit, tamarillos, macadamia nuts and a variety of vegetables and flowers.
Today the town is also notable for its diverse cultural activities - arts and crafts, drama and music.
The Centre (Cultural Centre)
Farmers Market (Sunday morning)
Wineries
Golf
Living Nature (Internationally recognised skin care products made from local natural products)
