Enjoy a weekend in Kerikeri

Kerikeri township is a mix of boutique and designer clothing stores, excellent cafes, restaurants, eateries and fruit! Within 10 minutes driving of central Kerikeri, there are four award-winning vineyards – Marsden Estate, Ake Ake Vineyard, Fat Pig Vineyard and Kainui Road Vineyard, a chocolate factory and a fabulous weekly market!

There's heritage sites, awesome walks, waterfalls, towering Kauri Trees and spectacular East Coast beaches within a 30 minutes' drive, North or South, offering a plethora of world-class activities. Only a 20-minute drive gives you access to the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail – that traverses from East to West Coast of Northland - skimming the rural edges of Kerikeri. Kerikeri has a mix of different style accommodation, from dorm bunk rooms/camping sites to 5-star luxury lodge-style accommodation and any type in between! Kerikeri is a perfect spot to base yourself for your next weekend away!

Kerikeri Mission Station – the Mission Station, situated along a pretty Kerikeri River just five minutes from central Kerikeri, is a captivating place to visit. Experienced tour guides are on hand to share stories of fierce warriors, drunken sailors, and the earnest missionaries who endeavored to spread the Christian message amongst Ma¯ori. Younger visitors will love the hands-on Children's Chores Tour, held at 11am daily in summer. At the heart of the Mission Station, are two of the country's oldest buildings; the Stone Store and Kemp House are both cornerstones of a broader historical landscape and essential sights for heritage-lovers. A beautiful, not to be missed, spot to soak in some NZ heritage www.heritage.org.nz/places/places-to-visit/northland-region/kerikeri-mission-station

Rainbow Falls – Ma¯ori name Waianiwaniwa, (Waters of the Rainbow), are a single-drop waterfall located on the Kerikeri River near Kerikeri in New Zealand. Either take the track from the Stone Store, Mission Station, a 3.5 km walk along the meandering Kerikeri river passing through Kiwi habitat and native trees to the magnificent falls – in summer take a dip! Or take a short 400m walk from a car park at the top of the falls, off Rainbow falls road.

Puketi Forest – Manginanagina Kauri walk – a short board walk to visit and view the towering kauri trees – this is one of many walks in the Puketi Forest - stay longer and do anything from one hour to two-day walks in the Puketi Forest. For guided walks – www.forestwalks.com

East Coast Beaches – Don't forget Kerikeri is 20 minutes from the gateway to the Bay of Islands – Paihia, and 25 – 30 minutes from some stunning untouched East Coast beaches, offering perfect swimming, free and Scuba diving (the Wreck of the Rainbow warrior - www.divenz.com), and on some beaches, surf for all abilities – not to mention the awesome coastal walks on offer with expansive views of the Cavalli Islands.

Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail – A low-grade easy 87km trail from Opua Marina on the East Coast to Horeke at the top of the Hokianga Harbour on the West Coast. Cycle with stunning Northland vistas as a back drop to your journey. Featuring disused rail tunnels, waterfalls, lakes, swing bridges and ocean with areas of native bush that boast impressive native flora and fauna.

The Pou Herenga Tai Trail tells the story of an emerging nation, capturing the history and heritage of both Maori and European settlers in the Far North and the Bay of Islands. Easy access to the track from different starting points means that Kerikeri with bike hire and shuttles available is an easy overnight base for this trail.
www.twincoastcycletrail.kiwi.nz

The old Packhouse Market – Kerikeri RD - EVERY SATURDAY 8am – 1.30pm and SUNDAY 9am – 1.30pm – RAIN OR SHINE!! A great place for locals and visitors to source fresh, local produce, meet for coffee or breakfast and enjoy fabulous Northland hospitality!! SATURDAY'S MARKET showcases the best of Northland Grown and Made produce and products. Approximately 100 stalls selling local produce, meats, seafood, deli lines, wines, craft beer, baked goods, flowers, plants, artisan products and arts & crafts. A variety of delicious street food vendors, an in-house bakery and two cafes.

SUNDAY'S MARKET has a more relaxing vibe, and includes a variety of eclectic vendors with a mix of new, vintage, arts, crafts, alternative and holistic health products, natural therapies and healings, natural and organic products for animals, natural skin care and make up. Talk to our professionals in a fun relaxed environment. Free kids activities area, bouncy castles, petting animals, face painting and a KIDZ MARKET.

Makana Chocolate factory – Kerikeri Rd, opposite Packhouse – set up like a winery/cellar door where you can watch how they make their chocolates, taste a few samples and, of course, shop for delicious chocolates.