Kerikeri is a unique destination that New Zealand travellers can't get enough of. The area boasts a wide range of activities and sites that make the town an all-around ideal travel destination.
The local historic buildings are attractive to travellers that love exploring the local history of a place. Beautiful beaches and game fishing will win the hearts of those anxious to get outside while on vacation. Before the trip is over, visitors are bound to stumble on a few unique and even strange museum collections.
Whatever you're looking for in a vacation, Kerikeri has it. This charming tourist destination is full of nostalgia and excitement, making it one of New Zealand's premier vacation spots.
Getting in and around Kerikeri
Kerikeri Airport
Kerikeri is very accessible by air and road. The Kerikeri airport is located six minutes from town and is serviced daily by flights from Auckland. International travellers will want to secure a flight to Auckland in order to connect to Kerikeri. It is also an easy three-hour drive to Kerikeri from Auckland. Visitors can also take a bus to Kerikeri from Auckland via InterCity.
Kerikeri Transport
Kerikeri is a jumping off point to catch tours and expeditions to other local sites and attractions around the region. This town is easy to get around on foot or by car.
Kerikeri Car Hire
Car hire is another great way to get around Kerikeri and explore the surrounding areas. Kerikeri car hire is available through local car hire companies and larger companies like Budget and Hertz.
^ Back to top
Kerikeri accommodation
Kerikeri accommodation is diverse enough to suit any traveller. The range of local accommodation consists mostly of motels and hostels. However, there are a few luxury apartments and resorts for those travellers looking for a more extravagant stay. There should be no problem finding a Kerikeri hotel that fits your needs.
Luxury
Moon Gate Villa is a luxurious bed and breakfast for the ultimate travel experience in Kerikeri. Moon Gate Villa was awarded Tripadvisor's Best of the Best in 2023.
Stone Store Lodge offers brilliant views from private balconies and is the perfect accommodation with modern amenities and warm hospitality. Ora Ora Resort. This all inclusive resort incorporates breakfast and spa treatments for the ultimate travel experience in Kerikeri. A favourite among Kerikeri accommodation.
Villa Maria offers elegant villas with brilliant architecture, decor, and breathtaking scenery for a luxurious vacation in Kerikeri.
Mid-range
Kerikeri Park Lodge offers modern, comfortable, fully equipped guest rooms so you can enjoy a comfortable long term or short term stay in Kerikeri.
The Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel in nearby Paihia is just steps away from sandy beaches and offers fun outdoor activities for you and the family. The Nautilus Resort offers modern, comfortable, fully equipped apartments so you can enjoy a comfortable long term, or short term stay in Kerikeri.
The Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel in Paihia is just steps away from sandy beaches and offers fun outdoor activities for you and your family.
Budget
Woodlands Motel is surrounded by bushland and only a few minutes' walk from the centre of Kerikeri.
The Kerikeri Court Motel is beautifully kept for your ultimate comfort at an affordable price. Accommodation Woodlands Motel blends the best of both worlds with lush surroundings and conference rooms.
The Kerikeri Court Motel is beautifully kept for your ultimate comfort at an affordable price.
Backpackers
Hone Heke Lodge has dorms or motel accommodation options. Each dorm room is named after a famous Maori chief. Kerikeri Farm Hostel. Enjoy the isolation and beauty of the countryside at the Kerikeri Farm Hostel just outside of Kerikeri. Warm, friendly service and comfortable accommodation makes for a delightful, budget friendly stay.
^ Back to top
Things to do in Kerikeri
If you're wondering where to go and what to do in Kerikeri, you won't wonder for long. Kerikeri is famously home to some of New Zealand's oldest and most important historic buildings. The area is also an attractive spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and water sports. It will be a while before you run out of things to do in Kerikeri.
Mission House, also known as Kemp House, is famous for being the oldest standing building in all of New Zealand. It was built by missionary carpenters and also Maori sawyers for New Zealand's first reverend in 1822.
The Stone Store is hardly your average convenience store. This restored antique building used to be a store house as well as a kuri gum store, a school, post office and general store.
Te Ahurea, formally Rewa's Village, is situated right next to the Stone Store and Mission House and has all of the workings of the ancient fishing village that existed when Europeans first arrived in New Zealand.
St. James Church, located just a few minutes from Mission House and the Stone Store, is another local landmark. The original church was built in 1829, and the building now standing in its place was built in 1878.
The Fairy Pools. An enchanting river bed located on the Kerikeri river. A magical place for a swim surrounded by beautiful bushland.
Wharepuke Subtropical Garden is located just a few minutes from Kerikeri and is among the most famous of the local gardens. The attraction features rare and unusual plant life along with an art gallery, sculpture park and printmaking studio.
Swimming. Kerikeri is a swimmer's paradise with an abundance of swimming sites of every variety. From beautiful Kerikeri beaches and the Kerikeri River, to the Fairy Pools and modern swimming and diving pools, swimmers won't run out of places to swim.
^ Back to top
Day trips in and around Kerikeri
Game fishing. Kerikeri has been a famous spot for game fishing ever since American author Zane Grey made note of the popular pastime. Now, visitors can take charter fishing trips.
^ Back to top