Fishing
The Bay of Islands shines as a favourite all-weather fishing destination for both local and visiting anglers. From the Kerikeri Inlet out to the Bay of Islands is a great fishing area. If you prefer Game Fishing, the Marlin season is February and March. With excellent fishing opportunities all year round and a lovely mild climate, you can’t go wrong! Snapper are definitely the most popular catch. The best months for Kahawai, Snapper and Trevally are December to June.
Diving
Explore our underwater world – some of the best diving in the world awaits you on our doorstep! The Bay of Islands’ diverse dive sites truly cater for divers of all abilities. Two of the most alluring dives by far are on the famous Rainbow Warrior off Matauri Bay and HMNZS Canterbury, an ex-navy warship scuttled in November 2007 at Deep Water Cove. Upright and intact, she provides an exciting shipwreck diving adventure.
Golf in the Bay of Islands
Kerikeri is ideally located for the Golf tragic or casual player. From the stunning views of Kauri Cliffs and Waitangi to the centrally located Bay Of Islands Golf Club or the unique vistas of Carrington
OKAIHAU GOLF CLUB
Okaihau Golf course is a great little 9 hole golf course with with White and Red tee’s for the men , White tee’s for the front 9 and Red tee’s for the back 9 both providing slightly different challenges. few kilometres west of Bay Of Islands Airport at 660 Waiare Road, Okaihau, Northland, New Zealand.
BAY OF ISLANDS GOLF CLUB
Bay of Islands Golf Club in Kerikeri is located just a few minutes from the Kerikeri town centre and the Bay of Islands Airport. Offering a stunning 18- hole, 6122 metre par 73 championship golf course. Visitors always welcome.
WAITANGI GOLF CLUB
Waitangi Golf Club, a 20 minute drive from Kerikeri. Rooted in historical significance, the 18-hole golf course overlooks the stunning Bay of Islands near Paihia. Waitangi Golf Club caters for players of all skill levels.
KAURI CLIFFS GOLF CLUB
Kauri Cliffs is located in Matauri Bay, a 30 minute drive from Kerikeri. The par 72 championship golf course measuring 7,139 yards / 6,528 metres offering five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked #37 in the world by Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World.
CARRINGTON GOLF COURSE
Between the sweeping ocean views to the north and west, and the hillside vineyards of Karikari Estate to the east, is the golf course at Carrington Estate. Spectacular views of the golf course, wetlands, with the beach and ocean beyond visible from the clubhouse and lounge complex.
WHANGAROA GOLF CLUB
Whangaroa is a small country club. This is an 18-hole course with fairways flanked by mature native and exotic trees and a creek winding through. Find us 40 minutes from Kerikeri State Highway 10 in Northland.
Beaches & Boat Ramps
OPITO BAY
A safe family beach just 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Kerikeri on the Kerikeri Inlet. A good boat ramp makes it a popular spot with boaties as their gateway to the Bay of Islands. The public walkway from this beach through native bush to Tareha Point in Ake Ake Reserve.
WAIPAPA LANDING
4km from town is this boat ramp and idyllic setting for a riverside picnic in the shade of the huge willow trees, while children can have a safe paddle in the river pools. Recently upgraded stormwater and concrete kerbing along with a sealed and clearly marked parking area. The most central access to the Kerikeri Inlet.
RANGITANE
Currently limited single lane ramp access Rangitane is due a major upgrade to build a double-width boat ramp, replace a broken jetty, and reclaim about 6400sq m of seabed off Rangitane Loop Rd for a parking area with space for 12 cars and 16 boat trailers.
SKUDDERS BEACH
Picturesque small bay. Boat ramp suitable for small craft only. Limited parking.
RANGITOTO
(Windsor Landing )
Completed in 2021 included the widening of a 90-meter section on Inlet Road, construction of 180 metres of a new sealed access road, reclamation of tidal area, new stormwater infrastructure, landscaping and construction of a car and boat trailer carpark featuring eighteen trailer parks and seven carparks. Sheltered and good for most tidal conditions has good manoeuvering areas. Suitable for single handed launch and recovery although narrow for larger boats.
TAURANGA BAY AND SURROUNDING BAYS
This winding, immensely popular and fabulously scenic drive up the north-east coast is dotted with accessible sandy beaches suitable for picnicking, swimming, surfing, diving, boating and fishing. From the view point above Matauri Bay, the Cavalli Islands are a spectacular sight as they scatter out into the Pacific.
WHANGAROA
Access to the Whangaroa Harbour is available for trailer boats, with a number of trailer parks at Ratcliffs Bay. Follow the road past the Marlin Hotel to the end of Whangaroa. A boat ramp with limited parking space is also available on the other side of the harbour at Totara North.
MATAURI BAY
Offers a campground and two beautiful beaches, one a popular surf spot and the other great for snorkelling. Boats can be launched from the beach (4×4 only). A 10-minute walk from Matauri Bay beach to a nearby former pa site takes you to a memorial by international sculptor Chris Booth, commemorating the famous vessel ‘Rainbow Warrior’.
Cycle Trails
The Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail and Waitangi Mountain Bike Park are perfect for spending a couple of hours up to a few days exploring. Both right on your doorstep, only 25 minutes from Kerikeri.
THE TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL
This is one of NZ’s great rides, 87km long, and suitable for most abilities. A scenically spectacular crosscountry journey from the Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour, an irresistible mix of relaxing riding with some seriously significant heritage sites and stories. Glittering coast, a tranquil harbour, wetlands, native forest and rolling farmland can all be enjoyed on this ride across the Far North, which passes through townsrich in history and manaakitanga (hospitality). Following a smooth rail trail, cycle paths, wetland boardwalk, suspension bridges and country roads, it can be ridden in 2 days or broken into smaller day trips.
It is both relaxing and highly rewarding, with opportunities to visit various cultural sites and attractions along the way. There are bike hire and shuttle companies – that can shuttle you back and forth along the trail. Often cyclists choose to do the trail in 2 days, and each day start at Kaikohe which is the highest point of the trail and cycle down towards each coast. www.twincoastcycletrail.kiwi.nz.
WAITANGI MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
A family-friendly mountain bike park located in Waitangi. Currently up to 50km of professionally built trails with many more planned for development. Trail grades range from Grade 2 (Beginners) to Grade 5 (Advanced) so something for all. The tracks offer great flow and features, from easy scenic rides to downhill riding, jump trails, cross country and beginner trails. There are plenty of fast, flowing berms, rollers and jumps. There is a café and bike rental on site with stunning views of the Bay. www.ridewaitangi.nz.
Locals’ Favourite Spots
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.
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, see Map p. 5.
TE WAIRERE & SECRET WATERFALLS
The track to these waterfalls opened in 2017. Despite being only a short walk from central Kerikeri, the two waterfalls remained hidden for 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 Georgian design. Take a fascinating tour of the building. On the river bank by Kemp House is the lovely Honey House Café (see p. 13), 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.
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.
