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Kerikeri is the jewel of sub-tropical Northland and the major centre of the Bay of Islands. It’s a wonderful place to live in or just to visit as a tourist. Visitors will notice the vibrancy of the town, the excellent cafes, vineyards and the abundance of art galleries and boutique stores to browse through. Many will return for another look and decide to make their home here. Early Maori saw the potential here and established fishing villages, with a safe haven for their canoes in the Kerikeri Basin, and a port to provide access to their main pa and food gardens at Waimate North. Visit Rewa’s Village across from the Stone Store to see a replica of a typical pre-European Maori fishing village.
The Rev. Samuel Marsden chose Kerikeri for the Church Missionary Society’s New Zealand mission station in 1819, under the patronage of powerful Maori chief Hongi Hika. Thus was established one of New Zealand’s earliest European settlements, and its mission house known as Kemp House and the Stone Store survive as the country’s oldest standing buildings from 1822. Completing the scene and located closeby is the lovely church of St James from 1878. Edmonds ruins dating from 1840 are a little further out on Inlet Road.
Kerikeri’s wealth was founded on its orchards and it could be described as the Citrus Capital of New Zealand. Early settlers saw the potential in the fantastic volcanic soil and planted miles of shelterbelts to create a mini climate suited to citrus, kiwifruit and many tropical fruits.
As one of the five fastest growing towns in New Zealand businesses thrive here, particularly in the commercial centres of Mill Lane and nearby in the rapidly developing Waipapa Business Park and industrial area. Call the Kerikeri District Business Association to find out more.
Education from the cradle to the grave is well catered for with top quality state and private schooling to suit all tastes, including Kerikeri High & Primary, Riverview Primary, the Frontline Christian School, and high achieving Springbank School, the first non-religious private school in Northland. There’s a wide choice of child care and pre-school centres, a branch of the NorthTec tertiary institution, and a thriving SeniorNet group and U3A for the oldies.
With its equable climate, well-run retirement villages, good health services and cultural facilities, Kerikeri is a fine choice for retirement.
The Centre at Kerikeri, a fantastic performance venue unequalled in many larger towns, attracts first class shows, opera and concerts. The Procter Library, too, is a marvellous asset to the town. Both these attractive and innovative buildings originated with generous donations by local residents. Pete’s Vintage & Classic Cars museum is another must-see.
Kerikeri is famous for its Half Marathon, and other sports are well catered for between the Domain, Bay Sports complex at Waipapa, and the new Kerikeri Sports Complex which has three fields in use and plans for nine netball courts, four squash courts, multi-club clubrooms and a helipad.
The beauties of nature are all around Kerikeri: from the mighty Kauri trees in the Puketi Forest to seeing live Kiwi birds at Aroha Island.
Several boat ramps provide easy access to the Bay of Islands and beyond, to excellent snapper fishing and Northland’s famous big game fishing grounds. Diving is popular, particularly down to the Rainbow Warrior and HMNZS Canterbury. Plus great golf at the Kerikeri, Waitangi and famous Kauri Cliffs golf courses.
And with excellent communication links, Bay of Islands airport (Auckland just 45mins), and regular coaches up the Twin Coast Highway, Kerikeri has it all – what better place for a holiday or a lifetime?
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