Kerikeri is a popular tourist destination in the famous Bay of Islands on the North Island of New Zealand. Often described as the Cradle of the Nation, it is the site of the first permanent mission station in the country, and has some of the most historic buildings in New Zealand. Located in the Winterless North, Kerikeri is a rapidly-expanding centre of sub-tropical and allied horticulture, and retirement homes.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
1 Mission Station and Stone Store, 246 Kerikeri Rd. Daily except 25 Dec, Nov-Apr 10AM-5PM, May-Oct 10AM-4PM. The Stone Store is a former storehouse and the oldest stone building in New Zealand: construction began in 1832. The building has been restored to its original state and is one of the most photographed buildings in the country. The wooden Mission House (Kemp House)[1] is the oldest building in New Zealand. It was built in 1821-22 for the Rev John Butler, New Zealand's first clergyman. It was first called the Mission House, and then Kemp House for more than 100 years, but has now reverted to its original name.
Beaches. Although the water at the Stone Store basin is part of the Bay of Islands, where overseas yachties tie up regularly, especially in the hurricane season, Kerikeri township does not have a beach. But not too far away there are wonderful swimming beaches, at Matauri Bay, which boasts impressive views of the Cavalli Islands, Te Ngaere and Tapuaetahi. Fishing. The Bay of Islands has been renowned for its big-game fishing since American author Zane Gray put it on the map in the 1930s. But there are smaller fish in the bay as well, and charter operators are busy all year round. Flying. Kerikeri Airport has a very active Bay of Islands Aero Club and flying schools.
McDonald's, Kerikeri Rd. Subway, Cobham Road. Kerikeri RSA, Cobham Road. Rock Salt Bar, Cobham Road. Cathay Cinema Restaurant, Cobham Road. 1 Redwoods Restaurant, State Highway 10. Orange Centre Cafe, State Highway 10. Marsden Vineyard Restaurant (near airport). Calypso Takeaways, Kerikeri Rd. Adam and Eve Cafe, Kerikeri Rd. Cafe Blue, Kerikeri Rd. Fishbone Cafe, Kerikeri Rd. Black Olive Pizzas, Kerikeri Rd. Curry King Restaurant, 83 Kerikeri Road. Indian and Thai food. $10 lunch menu with any chicken, pork or vegetarian dish. Good-size servings, decent. $10-20. Santeez Cafe and Bar, Kerikeri Rd. Zest Cafe, Kerikeri Rd.
Visitors can relax for a drink with their friends at the Kerikeri RSA, Citrus Bar or Homestead Hotel, or at the cafes and restaurants which have bars or are BYOs. The Cottle Hill Winery (Cottle Hill Drive) and Marsden Winery (near airport) offer local wines. The RSA, Cobham Road. "It has modern bar facilities and dining room for the more than 600 members, and welcomes visitors to the town. Lions, Rotarians, business and professional groups hold their meetings at the club. Also hosts the Kerikeri Bridge Club.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Sep, Kerikeri typically sees ~16°C daytime highs and 12 rainy days.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-09-25. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
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