What to do in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Last updated on May 17th, 2026 at 05:40 am
With 144 islands, and historic sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding treaty was signed, boat tours with dolphin watching and a visit to the hole in the rock, walking and hiking, and swimming and snorkeling at island beaches the Bay of Islands is a North Island “must-see.” This post will tell you what what you can’t miss in this North Island destination – especially if you are an outdoor / nature lover.
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Plan for your trip
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or Tripadvisor, or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use all three.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith.
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The top things to do in Kerikeri – especially if you are a nature lover!
1. Visit the Stone Store and Mission House
The Stone Store and the Kerikeri Mission House (also known as Kemp House) are New Zealand’s oldest standing buildings. Sure they are not old in European terms or even North American terms, but they count here. They are quite pretty buildings and sit in a very attractive location.
The Stone Store (1832) – New Zealand’s oldest stone building, originally a storehouse and later a trading post. It now houses a shop and museum.
Kerikeri Mission House / Kemp House (1821) – this is the country’s oldest surviving European building and part of the Kerikeri Mission Station. It was built by the London-based Church Missionary Society (CMS), which had been formed to provide indigenous peoples with religious and practical education in Africa and the ‘East’. The Kerikeri mission was founded under the protection of Hongi Hika (1772-1828), the most influential Māori leader in the Bay of Islands.
2. Learn about a local folk hero – Hongi Hika on the Historic Walk to Kororipo pā
Kororipo Pā Historic Walk is a 1.5km return / 60 minutes walk from the Stone Store and Mission House. A pā is a fortified Māori settlement, and this 18th-century one was the former headquarters of Ngāpuhi chief Hongi Hika – quite a folk hero and a very influential leader. See the structure of the pā and learn all about Hongi Hika as well as enjoying the pretty views!
3. Enjoy the Kerikeri River Track to Rainbow Falls
The Kerikeri River Track to Rainbow Falls is an 8.5km / 2-2.5 hours return walk from near the Stone Store and Mission House.
I really enjoyed this easy track. On the way to the Rainbow Falls you will find the remains of an old power house, a waterfall (Wharepoke Falls), fairy pools, beautiful bush and the finale at the Rainbow Falls. The falls have a pool you can swim in – a nice bonus! You can do the walk one-way if you can arrange transport at either end.
4. Check out a lost waterfall that has been returned
Te Wairere Falls is a pretty waterfall that was lost for 60 years! It was in an orchard area but subdivisions of the land in the 1950 – 60s blocked access and it became overgrown and forgotten – until now!
In 2015 locals banded together to reinstate access and it’s now a very pretty walk to see the falls. The short route is the Te Wairere Waterfall Walk, the longer route is from The Stone Store and I recommend that one. The waterfall is lovely especially after plenty of rain. The pool below the falls isn’t deep enough for a swim, but you can definitely get wet and splash around. There’s also a second smaller waterfall just a few minutes walk along the path away from Te Wairere Falls.
5. Swim at Charlie’s Rock waterfall and swimming hole
This great spot is a short walk from the road with plenty of return! Take the Charlies Rock Walkway – about 1km (30 mins) to the waterfall and swimming hole. The rocks around the waterfall are volcanic basalt and are formed in columns near the waterfall.
Its a popular spot for locals so you may see a few there jumping off rocks etc. Bring your swimming gear and picnic and enjoy!
6. Go kiwi spotting at nearby Opito bay
If you have a car and don’t mind a drive, head to Opito Bay for dusk. Of course its a good swim spot and there is a nice little walk to Tareha Point Lookout so you could spend some time there waiting for dusk. At dusk you have a great chance to see kiwi. I went for the walk to the lookout and on the way back to the car saw two kiwis hunting for food.
7. Go for a walk in the kauri forest
There are two easy walks you can take to just enjoy the stunning kauri trees. I couldn’t choose one, so did both. Because they are short and close to each other I recommend you do both too.
They are beautiful!
- Puketi Nature Trail 1.4km / 0.5-1 hour
- Manginangina Kauri Walk 0.5km / 15-30 mins
8. Visit the place where it all began – modern NZ
The Marsden Cross Track (3km / 0.5-1hour return) takes you through farmland to Rangihoua Heritage Park and the historic Marsden Cross.
This is the site where Samuel Marsden established the first Mission Station and celebrated the first Christmas Day in New Zealand in 1814. Some call it the birthplace of the country as it was the first place of European settlement.
Note for botanists and flower lovers: you should see the briar rose Rosa eglanteria that was planted here originally by the first missionaries!
9. Visit Paihia and Russell
Take a trip to Paihia and Russell – although you might need more than one day!
Top things to do in Paihia are the iconic Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour, visiting Urupukapuka Island and visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Combo Pass (Hāngī + Concert + Admission
Get the ferry from Paihia to the quaint township of Russell which was the first capital of New Zealand! Its a lovely little village to explore and eat in too – its known for its oysters! Walk up to Flagstaff Hill from Russell on a very short walk and learn about another great Māori leader, Hone Heke, and some more NZ history here.
10. Sample local goods – wine, beer, chocolate…..
If you are in Kerikeri on the weekend join the locals at the Old Packhouse Market on Saturday mornings. There will usually be about 90 stalls with their fresh farm goods as well as fabulous artisan breads & pastries, street food, coffee and more. The Old Packhouse Market is also a good place to purchase gifts from Arts and Crafts stallholders.
The Makana Chocolate Factory is a small boutique chocolate factory in town. You can watch through the chocolate being made, but better still you can sample the different flavours! The chocolate is yummy, especially the macadamia butter toffee crunch and so is the toffee. Its not cheap but it is sooo good!
Marsden Estate Winery and Ake Ake Vineyard now called Sovrano Estate (boutique organic) are both near the airport, both have restaurants, and both are the local go-to wineries. They both have tastings and tours! Also Kapiro Vineyard is nearby and is highly rated for its Pinot Gris!
And Kainui Brew Co is the local craft beer and cider brewery – it also has wine! Sometimes there are music sessions on a weekend too.
A really good options – no driver needed is to go on this Wine, Spirit, & Craft Beer Tour from Kerikeri (or Paihia).
Kerikeri Mini Itinerary (2 Days)
Day 1: Stone House and Mission House and walk to Kororipo Pā in the morning. Walk to rainbow falls after. Drive to Opito Bay to look for kiwi in the evening – go early for a walk to the lookout or a swim!
Day 2: Swim at Charlies Rock in the morning, or if its Saturday go to the Old Packhouse – or both. Head off on a Wine, Spirit, & Craft Beer Tour in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many days should I spend in Kerikeri?
A: 1 full day with an overnight stop or 2 days to relax and enjoy. If you want to explore Paihia and Russell from Kerikeri, then 3-4 days in total.
Q: Can I swim in Kerikeri?
A: You can swim at a couple of the waterfalls as described above, but for ocean swimming and snorkeling Paihia and the Islands are best.
Q: Should I stay in Kerikeri or Paihia?
A: If you plan to spend some time in the area and don’t mind moving between accommodations, stay at both. If you want to stay in one place for a few days – 1 week, then base yourself at Paihia. Accommodation there is detailed in 10 fun and exciting things to do in Paihia. Russell is a quaint and fun option as it has a good restaurant / bar scene..
Q: Where should I stay in Kerikeri?
A: See where to stay below.
Where to stay in Kerikeri
Higher End – Moon Gate Villa
Mid Range – Kerikeri Park Lodge or Stay Kerikeri Boutique Apartments
Budget – BB’S Cabin
1 bed House – Mākoha PurePod
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