Kerikeri

Kerikeri is the largest town in Northland, New Zealand, located about three and a half hours drive north of Auckland, Kerikeri has a semi-tropical climate and is often referred to as “the winterless north”. It is sometimes called the Cradle of the Nation, as it was the site of the first permanent mission station in the country, and it has some of the most historic buildings in the country.

A rapidly expanding centre of subtropical and allied horticulture, Kerikeri is in the Far North District of the North Island and lies at the western extremity of the Kerikeri Inlet, a northwestern arm of the Bay of Islands, where fresh water of the Kerikeri River enters the Pacific Ocean.

Kerikeri was the first place in New Zealand where grape vines were planted. Samuel Marsden planted 100 vines on 25 September 1819 and noted in his journal that New Zealand promised to be very favourable to the vine. In the same year Charlotte Kemp planted the first citrus. New Zealand's first commercial plantings of passionfruit were established in 1927, and in around 1932 the country's first avocados were planted.

With a population of around 7,000, Kerikeri is Northland’s largest town. The main shopping area is small but well provided for. In addition to an array of boutique shops and excellent eateries you’ll find easy access to many national retailers in nearby Waipapa (a ten minute drive from the Kerikeri CBD).

That tradition continues today and in addition to a flourishing horticultural industry, Kerikeri is well known for viticulture with many of our local vineyards achieving international acclaim.

The town also has a reputation for producing specialty foods, much of which can be bought at the weekend Farmer’s Markets.

Kerikeri has its own golf club as well as several world-class golf courses located nearby (including the internationally renowned Kauri Cliffs).

You’ll also find a variety of lush forest and bush walks and abundant opportunities for fishing, boating and sailing opportunities within easy reach.