Just up the hill from Kerikeri Mission Station is a marked historical walk that leads to the site of Hongi Hika's pā (fortress) and village. Little remains aside from the terracing that once supported wooden palisades. Huge war parties once departed from here, terrorising much of the North Island and slaughtering thousands during the Musket Wars. The role of missionaries in arming Ngāpuhi remains controversial. The walk emerges near the cute wooden St James Anglican Church (1878).
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
7.32 MILES
Occupying a headland draped in lawns and bush, this is NZ's most significant historic site. Here, on 6 February 1840, after much discussion, the first 43…
0.19 MILES
Two of the nation's most significant buildings nestle side by side on the banks of Kerikeri Basin. Start at the Stone Store, NZ's oldest stone building …
19.41 MILES
For 10 days in January 1846, 1600 British troops bombarded 500 Māori warriors hunkered down in a pā (fortress) composed of trenches, tunnels and wooden…
-
8.5 MILES
Set in verdant farmland 18km (20 minutes) southwest of Kerikeri, this pretty little cottage holds several claims to fame. It's NZ's second-oldest house …
-
9.39 MILES
Built in 1842 to house the Catholic mission’s printing press, this rammed-earth building is the mission's last remaining building in the western Pacific,…
-
12.54 MILES
It's rare that public toilets are a town's claim to fame but Kawakawa's were designed by Austrian-born artist and eco-architect Friedensreich…
-
8.54 MILES
The characterful St Paul's was constructed of Kawakawa stone in 1925, and stands on the site of the original mission church, a simple raupo (bulrush) hut…
-
8.4 MILES
Just behind Paihia, this regenerating forest has walking trails ranging from 10 minutes to five hours. A few large trees have escaped axe and fire,…
Nearby attractions
0.15 MILES
If you had a hard time imagining nearby Kororipo Pā in its original state, take the footbridge across the river to this mock-up of a traditional Māori…
0.19 MILES
Two of the nation's most significant buildings nestle side by side on the banks of Kerikeri Basin. Start at the Stone Store, NZ's oldest stone building …
0.69 MILES
What it lacks in height this attractive waterfall makes up for in breadth. It's accessed from the Kerikeri River Track.
1.12 MILES
This secret swimming hole is not easy to find, but those who do are rewarded with a plunge in the crisp cold water. Ask the locals how to get here; you…
1.37 MILES
An impressive waterfall on the Kerikeri River that can also be accessed via the road. An historic tea house is close by for those walking from the river…
2.87 MILES
Some 10km from town and reached via a permanent causeway through the mangroves, this 12-hectare island reserve provides a haven for the North Island brown…
3.53 MILES
Call into the cellar door for a tasting of wine, port and grappa. It's just off SH10 south of Kerikeri.
6.36 MILES
A walking track (one way 1½ hours, 5km) leads from the Treaty Grounds along the Waitangi River to these attractive horseshoe falls. Part of the path…