Annee’s Kerikeri Gardenia Cottage guidebook
Sightseeing
The Wairoa Stream has a picturesque waterfall only minutes walk from Kerikeri Gardenia Cottage. Known as Te Wairere Waterfall you can access it from a track only 50 metres east of our Right of Way on Kerikeri Inlet Road.
Wairoa Stream
73 Hone Heke RdThe Wairoa Stream has a picturesque waterfall only minutes walk from Kerikeri Gardenia Cottage. Known as Te Wairere Waterfall you can access it from a track only 50 metres east of our Right of Way on Kerikeri Inlet Road.
The Stone Store to Rainbow Falls River Walk.
The Stone Store to Rainbow Falls River Walk starts near the DOC carpark on the Southern end of Landing Road. You can also walk from here across the bridge to the Stone Store instead.
This walk is about 4 - 5 kms on a well worn and easy track. The walk follows the meandering river until you reach the spectacular Rainbow Falls. The Rainbow Falls Tea House in Rainbow Falls Road has a pretty verandah and garden, always good for morning tea afterwards.
Kerikeri River walking track
The Stone Store to Rainbow Falls River Walk.
The Stone Store to Rainbow Falls River Walk starts near the DOC carpark on the Southern end of Landing Road. You can also walk from here across the bridge to the Stone Store instead.
This walk is about 4 - 5 kms on a well worn and easy track. The walk follows the meandering river until you reach the spectacular Rainbow Falls. The Rainbow Falls Tea House in Rainbow Falls Road has a pretty verandah and garden, always good for morning tea afterwards.
Kerikeri Mini Golf. 73 Rainbow Falls Road.
We have enjoyed mini golf many times at this course.
Kerikeri Mini Golf
4 Awhitu RdKerikeri Mini Golf. 73 Rainbow Falls Road.
We have enjoyed mini golf many times at this course.
Aroha Island Ecological Centre. 177 Rangitane Loop Road.
We have not visited yet but for an ecological experience and spotting kiwis it looks good.
Aroha Island
Aroha Island Ecological Centre. 177 Rangitane Loop Road.
We have not visited yet but for an ecological experience and spotting kiwis it looks good.
Kerikeri Stone Store, Museum, Mission (Kemp) House and Rewa’s Village
A visit to Kerikeri is not complete without visiting the oldest stone building in New Zealand. The shop on the first level is worth a look plus the museum upstairs is good. Behind the Stone Store you will discover the Mission (Kemp) House museum which occupies New Zealand’s oldest surviving building. The Honey Bee Café behind the Stone Store facing the footbridge is a good spot for watching ducks, people and enjoying a coffee. Here also the Kerikeri River meets the Kerikeri Inlet on its journey to the Pacific Ocean.
62 locals recommend
The Stone Store
246 Kerikeri RdKerikeri Stone Store, Museum, Mission (Kemp) House and Rewa’s Village
A visit to Kerikeri is not complete without visiting the oldest stone building in New Zealand. The shop on the first level is worth a look plus the museum upstairs is good. Behind the Stone Store you will discover the Mission (Kemp) House museum which occupies New Zealand’s oldest surviving building. The Honey Bee Café behind the Stone Store facing the footbridge is a good spot for watching ducks, people and enjoying a coffee. Here also the Kerikeri River meets the Kerikeri Inlet on its journey to the Pacific Ocean.
Manginangina Kauri Walk and Puketi Nature Trail
For lovely walks amongst ancient kauri trees, make your way to the start of the walks north of Kerikeri on Highway 10. Take a picnic and have a good look around. More details on tripadvisor.com
30 locals recommend
Puketi Forest
Manginangina Kauri Walk and Puketi Nature Trail
For lovely walks amongst ancient kauri trees, make your way to the start of the walks north of Kerikeri on Highway 10. Take a picnic and have a good look around. More details on tripadvisor.com
Roland’s Wood. Kerikeri Inlet Road.
We haven’t yet managed to get there to see it but others recommend a walk there to witness the range of trees and the bluebells in the spring.
6 locals recommend
Roland's wood
Kerikeri Inlet RoadRoland’s Wood. Kerikeri Inlet Road.
We haven’t yet managed to get there to see it but others recommend a walk there to witness the range of trees and the bluebells in the spring.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
A must see on any visit to Kerikeri is the Waiting Treaty House and Grounds approximately 20 minutes drive from Kerikeri. Turn East at Puketone Junction. The museum at the Treaty Grounds is also worth a visit according to reports.
62 locals recommend
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Tau Henare DriveWaitangi Treaty Grounds.
A must see on any visit to Kerikeri is the Waiting Treaty House and Grounds approximately 20 minutes drive from Kerikeri. Turn East at Puketone Junction. The museum at the Treaty Grounds is also worth a visit according to reports.
Paihia and Russell
Paihia, approximately 20 minutes drive from Kerikeri is well worth a visit for a swim and a shop. Catch the ferry across to Russell to see this delightful village, have a swim, or an ice cream or fish and chips. The Duke of Marlborough’s verandah is an excellent spot to stop for lunch on the waterfront. It may pay to get there early or to book a table if possible. Ferries are plentiful. Watch out for the massive, towering cruise ships anchored in the Bay or the odd pod of dolphins frolicking.
Russell was known until the early 1840s as Kororāreka which was a lawless trading centre full of seafarers, whalers, merchants, deserters, adventures and escaped convicts from Australia.
Today it is a beautiful and peaceful place well worth a visit.
74 locals recommend
Russell
Paihia and Russell
Paihia, approximately 20 minutes drive from Kerikeri is well worth a visit for a swim and a shop. Catch the ferry across to Russell to see this delightful village, have a swim, or an ice cream or fish and chips. The Duke of Marlborough’s verandah is an excellent spot to stop for lunch on the waterfront. It may pay to get there early or to book a table if possible. Ferries are plentiful. Watch out for the massive, towering cruise ships anchored in the Bay or the odd pod of dolphins frolicking.
Russell was known until the early 1840s as Kororāreka which was a lawless trading centre full of seafarers, whalers, merchants, deserters, adventures and escaped convicts from Australia.
Today it is a beautiful and peaceful place well worth a visit.
Urupukapuka Island
Take a ferry to hike on Urupukapuka Island.
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is accessible if you don’t mind driving. Another option is to take a coach tour there. See the two oceans kissing each other at New Zealand’s northernmost point which according to Maori legend is where spirits leave the land after death. Visit 90 mile beach and the Kauri Museum on the way home. Do remember to take a picnic plus water or drinks as pit stop venues are rare in the northern parts of New Zealand.
65 locals recommend
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is accessible if you don’t mind driving. Another option is to take a coach tour there. See the two oceans kissing each other at New Zealand’s northernmost point which according to Maori legend is where spirits leave the land after death. Visit 90 mile beach and the Kauri Museum on the way home. Do remember to take a picnic plus water or drinks as pit stop venues are rare in the northern parts of New Zealand.
Food scene
Packhouse Markets. Saturday mornings and a smaller version on Sunday mornings.
Although the crowd can be heavy (so go early) the Kerikeri Packhouse Markets on Kerikeri Road, opposite Makana Chocolates and Café are definitely worth a stroll around.
48 locals recommend
The Old Packhouse Market
Packhouse Markets. Saturday mornings and a smaller version on Sunday mornings.
Although the crowd can be heavy (so go early) the Kerikeri Packhouse Markets on Kerikeri Road, opposite Makana Chocolates and Café are definitely worth a stroll around.
Makana Chocolates & Café.
An attractive and bustling café for a rather expensive imported croissant and coffee or for a more kiwi and perhaps more child-friendly option visit the Kerikeri Bakehouse for a pie and a drink further down the hill on Kerikeri Road. Don’t miss out on the Makana Chocolate Shop next door to Makana Café to see the making process and which also serves a free sample upon entry. Their Macadamia Brickle is to die for!
40 locals recommend
Makana Chocolate Boutique
504 Kerikeri RdMakana Chocolates & Café.
An attractive and bustling café for a rather expensive imported croissant and coffee or for a more kiwi and perhaps more child-friendly option visit the Kerikeri Bakehouse for a pie and a drink further down the hill on Kerikeri Road. Don’t miss out on the Makana Chocolate Shop next door to Makana Café to see the making process and which also serves a free sample upon entry. Their Macadamia Brickle is to die for!
Wineries to tempt your taste buds
To explore the wineries of Northland, there are, amongst others, Marsden Estate with it’s delightful pergola setting for lunch or Ake Ake Vineyard for an upmarket and delicious dinner date.
31 locals recommend
Ake Ake Vineyard
165 Waimate N RdWineries to tempt your taste buds
To explore the wineries of Northland, there are, amongst others, Marsden Estate with it’s delightful pergola setting for lunch or Ake Ake Vineyard for an upmarket and delicious dinner date.
Cathay Cinema & Café
We are blessed with a wonderful independent cinema here in Kerikeri. Called the Cathay Cinema it shows arthouse and independent movies and in school holidays, current and popular children’s movies. The cinema has a good café adjacent which serves morning and afternoon teas, lunches, brunches and dinners.
19 locals recommend
Cathay Cinemas
27 Hobson AveCathay Cinema & Café
We are blessed with a wonderful independent cinema here in Kerikeri. Called the Cathay Cinema it shows arthouse and independent movies and in school holidays, current and popular children’s movies. The cinema has a good café adjacent which serves morning and afternoon teas, lunches, brunches and dinners.