FIVE WATERFALLS IN KERIKERI
Kerikeri is very fortunate to have an abundance of waterfalls within close proximity to the town. All waterfalls are accessed via walks that mostly pass through native bush, all with swimming holes: Rainbow Falls, Wharepuke Falls, Charlie’s Rock and now two additional waterfalls – Te Wairere Waterfall and the smaller Secret Waterfall. Rainbow and Te Wairere Falls both have access from carparks, with a very short walk to a viewing spot, or refer p. 22 Walking Tracks for stunning bushwalks to the waterfalls. www.kerikeriwalks.kiwi
CHARLIE’S ROCK
Swimming hole and waterfall. This is one of Kerikeri’s iconic natural assets, popular through generations. A short walk off Landing Road near Cherry Park House, following the western boundary of the Croquet Club. The path then meanders along the Waipapa Stream. On the way to the waterfall you will come across swimming holes. At the end is a real treasure, basalt rock formations that create great jumping-off points into a beautiful, swirling swimming hole at the bottom of the waterfall. Beware of rocks, and make sure you know what is below the surface before you jump!
RAINBOW FALLS & WHAREPUKE FALLS (Māori name Waianiwaniwa)
Rainbow Falls is renowned with the locals as one of the best waterfalls in the Northland area. A spectacular 27m high waterfall that tumbles into a pool surrounded by untouched native forest. You can drive to the falls a short distance from Kerikeri town via Waipapa Road into Rainbow Falls Road and view from a platform looking down onto the Falls. Have a game of Mini-
Golf and enjoy refreshments at Rainbow Falls Tea House, all close to Rainbow Falls carpark. Or walk the 4.3km trail from the carpark by the Stone Store. On the walk to Rainbow Falls you will be able to see the Wharepuke Falls and the Fairy Pool. Fairy Pool is accessible from the town side of the river.
TE WAIRERE & SECRET WATERFALLS
The track to these waterfalls opened in 2017. Despite being only short walk from central Kerikeri, the two waterfalls remained hiddenfor more than 40 years. A massive local volunteer effort restored public access to these falls along the Wairoa Stream, with a bridge built across the stream and a walkway cleared.
KEMP HOUSE
Set behind the Stone Store is New Zealand’s oldest building, Kemp House. Completed in 1821- 22 by missionary carpenters and Māori sawyers, Kemp House is a home of simple eorgian design. Take a fascinating tour of the building. On the river bank by Kemp House is the lovely Honey House Café, open daily in the summer for food and beverages.
ST JAMES CHURCH
This quaint little church was opened in December 1878, with a 17-foot extension added in 1963. No further alterations have been made to the structure. The church’s long life has been peaceful, witnessing no battles, and uneventful other than being shifted by a tornado in 1968. The Church is open during the day and our service times are 8am and 9am every Sunday.
Those with a taste for adventure will find plenty to indulge in. With spectacular beaches nearby and numerous Walking Tracks catering for all levels, much of what we have to offer is easily within a day’s drive and best experienced on foot. Return to the comfort of your accommodation, dine at one of Kerikeri’s plentiful Restaurants or Cafes, relax and prepare for another day’s activities. Spend a day locally, enjoy a walk to one of our five Waterfalls, rest up and watch a movie at our 3-theatre Cathay Cinemas. Visit Blue River Orchard and indulge in a fresh blueberry icecream or smoothie, with coffee and cake also available. Relax in the shade on the Cape Cod chairs and perhaps leave with a punnet or two of fresh berries. Blue River also have a Caravan at the Kerikeri weekend Markets during the summer.
Visit the colourful collection of Parrots at The Parrot Place. Admire the large new aviary and recent arrival Chico, a Yellow Crowned Amazon; rub shoulders with the Red Tail Black Cockatoos, Elvis & Priscilla – the only place in NZ, we believe, where the public can handle these characterful birds. Round off your visit with refreshments from the cute coffee caravan. Don’t miss a visit to the Wharepuke Sculpture Park, 500m from the Stone Store. Just 12km from Kerikeri at Aroha Island is a natural Kiwi habitat, linked to the mainland by a causeway. Venture inland to Puketi Forest, where you’ll be dwarfed by the magnificent stands of ancient Kauri, Podocarp and Hardwood trees. Check out the striking sculpture by Chris Booth, internationally renowned sculptor, in the Kerikeri Domain off Cobham Road. If you want a bit more fun try Kerikeri Mini-Golf in Rainbow Falls Road.
AROHA ISLAND
A Kiwi habitat – linked to the mainland by an accessible causeway. Aroha Island is a small island at Rangitane, 12 km from Kerikeri. One of the few places in NZ where you can see kiwi in their natural habitat, this area is an important location for North Island Brown Kiwi. Open to day visitors and overnight guests, Aroha Island offers various camping and high quality accommodation facilities. Guests can self-guide at night to listen out for the two resident kiwis and possibly see them in the wild. A tranquil environment to rest and relax, take a bush walk or explore the inlet beach or mangroves – a quiet haven for all bird watchers and star gazers.
PUKETI KAURI FOREST
This short walk is a must for any visitor. About 30 minutes’ drive from Kerikeri, Manginangina Reserve in Puketi Forest is home to one of the largest living Kauri, standing in excess of 50m high. Access is via Pungaere Road off SH10 north of Waipapa. Wellmaintained boardwalks, suitable for wheelchairs and baby buggies, take you through classic native bush to magnificent stands of kauri. Birdlife includes Kaka, Kiwi and Kokako. The walk takes about 20 minutes, but meander quietly and savour the special atmosphere. Your return journey gives great views out over the Bay of Islands, best seen from the top of the road.
ROLAND’S WOOD
A 4-hectare woodland of English beech, with a Northland twist. A park for dogs, owners and walkers, with dogs allowed to run free. Meander along the everexpanding paths or sit quietly and soak up the ambience. This land was bequeathed by Roland Sansom, a local with a dream to create something beautiful and enduring. Located along Inlet Road on the right-hand side just after Blacks Road. See rolandswood.blogspot.co.nz
TE AHUREA
Northland’s Living Village & Cultural Experience, sits in one of the most significantly important historical sites in Aotearoa. Te Ahurea has undergone a significant transformation from it’s former identity as a replica fishing village, to an interactive Māori experience. Te Ahurea is situated in the picturesque Kerikeri basin.