Kerikeri see · Kerikeri attractions
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Kerikeri attractions
Kerikeri attractions
Mission House, a much visited building, this is the oldest wooden structure in New Zealand. It was built 1822 for the Rev John Butler, NZ's first clergyman. Originally called the Mission House, it was then Kemp House for more than 100 years, but has now reverted to its original name.
The Stone Store, a former storehouse, is the oldest stone building in New Zealand, construction having begun in 1832. The building has been restored to its original state and is one of the most photographed buildings in the country.
St James, a picturesque wooden church on the hill above the Stone Store, began life in 1829 as a 38 ft by 18 ft lath and plaster structure complete with a town clock.
Rewa's Village, opposite the Stone Store, is a faithful replica kainga (fishing village) which existed when Europeans arrived in New Zealand. Rewa's Village has all the features of a true kainga, including a marae area, chief's whare (house), kauta (cooking shelter), whata (bench where food was placed), tall whata, weapons store, pataka (raised food store), enclosure for the tohunga (a wise person who advised the community on just about everything), rahui (a post marking tapu or out of bounds limits), whare made of bark, waka tiwai (fishing canoe), bird snare, hangi pit (ground oven), genuine historic canoes, family enclosure, rua (storage area ) for kumara (sweet potato) and a paepae haumati (the basic toilet system which was flushed twice daily by the tide) .
Kororipo Pa stands at the head of the Kerikeri Inlet which was known as Te Waha o te Riri (the inlet of war) not long after the missionaries arrived. It was once once Hongi Hika’s fortressed pa, and fishing village.
Steam Driven Sawmill, not quite perpetual motion, but this mill provides its own fuel and is a great favourite with tourists and steam engine buffs alike. The whole mill is powered by a large steam plant which is fired by waste wood from the trees being milled.
Walks. There are lovely walks at Kerikeri and several others in the district. The 4 km stroll from the Stone Store to Rainbow Falls can be undertaken by most people. It meanders through very photogenic scenery and regenerating native bush. A short track leads from the Stone Store to Kororipo Pa. Another fine walk is from opposite St James Church to the Fairy Pools past Wharepoke Falls on the south bank of the Kerikeri River. The Fairy Pools can also be reached via a track from the Youth Hostel.
- Fairy pools, These delightful pools were given to the nation by Caroline Little who was captivated by them in 1928 on her first visit from China.
- Rainbow Falls, on the Kerikeri River, so called because the Maori name for them, Waianiwaniwa, means Waters of the Rainbow. You can drive almost to the falls.
- Dawn Chorus. A rewarding experience. Just before dawn, at Manginangina in the Puketi Forest, thousands of native birds join voices to welcome the day, and there are very friendly birds which come regularly for breakfast.
Art at Wharepuke (Art Gallery), 190g Kerikeri road (Stone Store Hill. 1 km from Kerikeri town), ☎ +64 9 4078933, . 8AM-5PM. Art Gallery of NZ and internationally acclaimed artists. Focus on printmaking. Free. �
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Kerikeri Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.