About Kerikeri

Kerikeri is situated in the heart of the world famous Bay of Islands in Northland, New Zealand. Kerikeri was voted “Top New Zealand Small Town” for 2000 and is internationally. renowned for its superb sailing waters and top class blue water fishing.

Charlies Rock (photo supplied by The Bay Chronicle)

The Stone Store built 1832 Now owned and maintained for the people of New Zealand by The NZ Historic Places Trust

Marsden Cross at Oihi Bay where the first Christmas message was preached by Rev Samuel Marsden 1814

Kerikeri is the birthplace of the nation with the historic Stone Store and the oldest home in New Zealand at Kemp House. Enjoying a warm subtropical microclimate it is the home of citrus groves and orchards and is famous for its art and crafts.

Being only a three-hour drive from Auckland and 60 minute drive to Whangarei, Kerikeri is a vibrant fast growing developing town with a strong economic base and a sophisticated cosmopolitan population. It is an ideal centre for exploring the riches of the Far North with many harbours, beaches, forests, golf courses all just a short drive away.

Kerikeri has a full range of business and personal amenities. Its international community provides a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a wide range of over 100 community, sporting, cultural and religious groups. Kerikeri also offers a complete range of shops and services including two supermarkets. The world renowned citrus, fruit and vegetable growers also offer fresh produce, including organic, as gate sales and at a great Sunday Market in the middle of town. Food outlets include more than 15 restaurants and cafes.

Educational opportunities include two primary schools at Kerikeri (with a third one planned), one high school and a polytechnic.
Private schools and training organisations also operate in Kerikeri. There is also a small primary school at Te Tii, about 7km (4 miles) from Mataka. This caters especially for the local Maori community at Te Tii where there are three marae.

The Kerikeri golf club is known nationally as an excellent course. There is a full range of marine-based clubs covering fishing, boating, diving and surfing. Modern marina facilities are located at Doves Bay and Opua.

Kerikeri Airport provides sealed day/night operation with several scheduled services each day to Auckland International Airport.
Flight time on these services is 35 minutes.

Paihia and Russell are nearby tourist centres providing a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and cafes and tourist services.

To contact us, call + 64 9 407 1117, fax + 64 9 407 5117, us or use our contact form.

Our Climate

The Far North enjoys a subtropical climate. A typical summer has long spells of sunshine, warm balmy evenings and runs from November to early April, January and February are the hottest months. Winters are mostly mild.