Kerikeri

Kerikeri Airport, also known as Bay of Islands Airport, is just 10 minutes by car from the arty, foodie town of Kerikeri. It's also 20 minutes from historic Waitangi and the tourist town of Paihia.

From Paihia you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand's most significant historic site, and cruise the Bay of Islands to see dolphins and the Hole in the Rock. You can also catch a bus to Cape Reinga, surf down giant sand dunes and ride an easy 87km cycle trail through beautiful scenery and historic towns.

From Waitangi you can paddle up the river to Haruru Falls in a kayak or a large traditional waka (Māori canoe).

Where to go and what to see in Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands

Northland's comfortable sub-tropical climate makes it easy to enjoy outdoor adventures at any time of the year. It also means there's a wealth of fresh local produce and award-winning wines to discover. It's no surprise that this is where early European traders were welcomed by local Maori and chose to settle, leading to the birth of New Zealand as a nation under the Treaty of Waitangi.

Culture and history

Waitangi Treaty Grounds is one of New Zealand's premier attractions. Apart from wandering the extensive grounds and enjoying sea views, you can explore an excellent museum, watch authentic Maori cultural performances, see beautifully carved Maori meeting houses and be awed by a large traditional waka (canoe). A day pass gives you access to everything this important historic site has to offer.

A short ferry ride from Paihia takes you to the historic settlement of Russell. Once a lawless port frequented by traders and whalers, it eventually became an elegant colonial town. You'll be transported back in time as you wander the seaside streets with their charming cafés and boutiques set in many of the original historic buildings.

Kerikeri is home to two of New Zealand's oldest buildings, Kemp House and the Stone Store. Built by an early mission station with the support of local Māori chiefs, they provide fascinating insights into early colonial life in New Zealand. Set beside a river and waterfall, the store, a small museum and a café are open to visitors and there are regular guided tours of Kemp House.

Te Waimate Mission, an easy 20-minute drive from Kerikeri, is another important historic site with some amazing stories to tell. The 1832 mission house has interpretive displays and artefacts, including an exhibit about the second signing of the Treaty of Waitangi after it was taken around the country for consideration by different Māori groups.

Outdoor adventures

At Paihia you can catch a range of cruises to explore the Bay of Islands, view marine wildlife, see the spectacular Hole in the Rock and visit beautiful protected islands with sandy beaches. If you like a little adrenalin with your ocean adventures, check out the high speed cruises or try your hand at parasailing for the ultimate aerial view.

If biking is more your thing, you'll love the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park. with trails for all ages and experience levels. The Bay of Islands is also one end of the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail, Aotearoa New Zealand's northern-most Great Ride which connects east and west coast along an easy multi-day trail.

Waiomio Caves are a must-visit if you like underground chambers with glow worms, stalactites and stalagmites. They're only 20 minutes south of Paihia by road and close to the town of Kawakawa, famous for its colourful public toilets designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

There's no shortage of walks and hiking trails around Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands. From Waitangi you can follow the river to Haruru Falls on a 6km track, complete with a boardwalk over mangrove wetlands. Around the town of Kerikeri there are five picturesque walking trails, each to a different waterfall. If you prefer a longer trek, check out the 6-8 hour Cape Brett Walkway. You can get a water taxi back or stay overnight in a bookable hut.

From Opononi on the Hokianga harbour, about an hour's drive from Kerikeri, you can catch a boat to the huge Hokianga sand dunes to go sandboarding. It's a good workout for the legs and a thrilling ride down. At high tide you'll skim out across the water when you reach the base of the dunes.

For a local's guide to the best activities in and around Kerikeri, see our Kerikeri Top 10.

Eat, drink and enjoy

Fresh seafood and delicious local ingredients hold pride of place on menus in Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands. The subtropical climate lends itself well to alfresco dining overlooking the water or amidst the vines.

Local restaurant favourites include the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell and Charlotte's Kitchen in Paihia. For exceptional coffee and fresh baked yummy treats, head to Third Wheel Vending in Paihia. Chocolate lovers should visit Kerikeri's boutique chocolate factory, Makana Confections.

For wine tasting and casual vineyard dining, check out Omata Estate on the road to Russell from the Opua car ferry. Paroa Bay Winery, a 15 minute drive from Russell, offers cellar door wine tasting, Mediterranean cuisine and boutique luxury accommodation. Just minutes from Kerikeri village, Marsden Estate is a local favourite for wine tasting and breakfast or lunch on a vine-shaded terrace overlooking gardens and a lake.

If you're planning the ultimate getaway, consider The Landing.  Situated 30 minutes east of Kerikeri, it offers several luxury residences with an optional private chef on a 1000-acre property with six beaches, a vineyard, walking tracks and more.