Speedbird: Kerikeri

Kerikeri New Zealand

The northern town of Kerikeri has a wide and attractive history. In that area, lived the dreadful Maori chief Hongi Hika, who terrorized many tribes throughout the North Island at the beginning of the 19th century. However, he was generous with the missionaries and allowed Samuel Marsden to establish New Zealand's second mission in this region. Kerikeri Mission Station, also known as Kemp House, is the oldest European building in New Zealand still standing. It was built for the Rev. John Butler to reside there in 1821, and this elegant wooden home is protected by Historic Places Trust. A short distance away is the Stone Store, which dates back to 1832. Designed by the Methodist missionary John Hobbs and built by an ex-convict mason from New South Wales, the warehouse was built with the intention of storing large quantities of wheat from the missionary farm of Te Waimate. When wheat production fell, the building was used as a place to market kauri resin. The site of the pa on the terrace, Kororipo, is located on the basin of Kerikeri. Before it had been a fortified palisade, but not during European times. When the missionaries lived there in the early 1820s, it was an unfortified village where people from Hongi Hika lived. Currently, the country is protected by the Department of Conservation. The road that leads to Kerikeri is flanked by orchards of fruit trees. The roadside stands offer you the possibility of buying seasonal fruits. You can also follow the signs that guide you to the workshops of artists, potters and local painters that have given this district a creative personality. The town is full of galleries, cafes and gourmet food stores. For nature lovers, the 10-minute walk to the Rainbow Falls offers the opportunity to picnic in the middle of the native forest while enjoying the birdsong. There are many good places to stay, so you can stay as long as you want. General information: Approximate population of 5900 inhabitants, visitor center, national airport.

Wikipedia

Recommended airport

Kerikeri (KKE)

Nearby destinations

Kerikeri, New Zealand

Kerikeri New Zealand