Kerikeri: River Walks, Waterfalls and History

Along the Kerikeri River, a track passes through regenerating forest to Rainbow Falls; at the Kerikeri Basin, history and Māori culture take centre stage. There are also two regular markets offering local produce and handcrafted goods. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Kerikeri, you can plan your trip around your preferred focus: nature and outdoor activities, cultural history or local markets.

River Walk and Waterfall Views

The Kerikeri River Track starts at Kerikeri Basin Reserve and ends at Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri. It follows the banks of the Kerikeri River through regenerating forest. Young kauri and tōtara trees, along with other native vegetation, grow along the track. The track is also part of the Te Araroa Trail. This identifies both its start and end points, as well as the landscape along the river.

The Rainbow Falls Walk offers two viewpoints overlooking the falls and a third near a historic weir. The short, easy track is suitable for strollers and leads to Rainbow Falls on the Kerikeri River. For families planning a walk with waterfall views, these details about the track provide a useful guide.

Kerikeri Basin: Culture and History

Kororipo Heritage Park is at the end of Kerikeri Inlet, above the Kerikeri Basin. It can be reached by car or on foot. The walk from the centre of Kerikeri township takes about 20 minutes. From Kerikeri Road, follow the Te Araroa Trail signs; a footbridge crosses the river along the way. The time estimate refers to the walk from the town centre and is approximate.

The Stone Store was built between 1832 and 1836 and is New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building. It is also considered the country’s oldest surviving commercial building. Its national and international significance lies in the way it illustrates the early stages of New Zealand’s connection with international trade. The Stone Store brings together architectural history and a defining chapter in the country’s trade history.

Te Ahurea is a Māori cultural and historical experience in the Kerikeri Basin, next to the historic Kororipo Pā, the Stone Store and the Mission House. A self-guided tour takes you through the village, native bush and gardens. At Kororipo-Kerikeri Basin, New Zealand’s two major cultures first encountered one another and lived, worked and traded together. A visit to the Basin offers an insight into a history shaped by encounter and by living, working and trading together.

Local Produce and Markets

The Old Packhouse Market takes place every weekend in Kerikeri. It offers local produce, arts and crafts, and fresh food. The Kerikeri Sunday Farmers Market is a weekly meeting place for local produce, artisan foods and handmade goods. Both markets showcase products and crafts from the region, each with its own selection. A market visit is another way to discover Kerikeri beyond its river walk and cultural history when planning your trip.

Other places: Broadwood, Haruru, Whangaroa, Kawakawa, Waitangi, Te Tii, Pakaraka, Matauri Bay.

For the broader travel overview: Far North District.