Kerikeri by Campervan: History, Waterfalls and Food in the Bay of Islands

Quick summary: Kerikeri is the Bay of Islands’ largest town and its food bowl, around 23 km north of Paihia. For campervan and motorhome travellers, it combines two of New Zealand’s oldest buildings, a riverside walk to a waterfall, orchards, vineyards and artisan food producers, along with the supermarkets and services you’ll want before heading further north. It works as a half-day trip from Paihia or as an alternative base for the bay.

At a glance
Distance from Paihia	Around 23 km
Highlights	The Stone Store and Kemp House, Rainbow Falls, Kororipo Pā, food producers
Nearby	Puketi Forest’s kauri, Matauri Bay, Waimate North mission house
Services	Supermarkets, fuel, cafés and shops
Overnight	Holiday parks in and around the town
Best for	History, food lovers, a supply stop before the far north

Why visit Kerikeri?

Because it shows a different side of the Bay of Islands. Kerikeri sits at the head of a river inlet, surrounded by citrus and kiwifruit orchards, and it has a long history as one of the first places of sustained contact between Māori and Europeans. Today it’s a thriving town with a strong food culture, an easy-going pace and plenty to see in a day.

What is there to see in Kerikeri?

• The Stone Store and Kemp House. By the Kerikeri River basin stand two of New Zealand’s oldest buildings: Kemp House, a timber mission house, and the Stone Store, the country’s oldest stone building. Both are open to visitors.
• Kororipo Pā. Across the basin, the site of a historic pā overlooks the river, with interpretation explaining its importance.
• The Kerikeri River Track. A riverside walk from the Stone Store leads through bush past Wharepuke Falls to Rainbow Falls, a waterfall dropping into a wide pool. You can also drive to a car park close to Rainbow Falls.
• Food producers and markets. Kerikeri’s orchards, vineyards, chocolate makers and artisan producers make it a rewarding place to eat and shop.

What tours are available around Kerikeri?

• Food and wine tours visiting vineyards, orchards and producers around Kerikeri. See food and wine tours.
• Craft beer tours of local breweries. See beer tours.
• Kauri forest tours to Puketi Forest and other kauri stands. See kauri forest tours.

What is nearby?

• Puketi Forest, around 25 km north-west, protects stands of kauri and other native trees, with short walks including a boardwalk. Clean your footwear at the cleaning stations and stay on open tracks; see our kauri protection guide.
• Waimate North, south-west of Kerikeri, has another historic mission house set among farmland.
• Matauri Bay, around 35 km north, is a beautiful beach on the route to Doubtless Bay. See our Paihia to Doubtless Bay route.

Is Kerikeri a good RV base instead of Paihia?

It can be. Kerikeri is quieter and less crowded than Paihia, with good supermarkets and services, and its holiday parks make a relaxed base. The trade-off is that most boat trips depart from Paihia, so you’ll drive the 23 km each way on tour days, or catch a transfer. See transfer services.

Where can you stay?

Kerikeri has holiday parks in and around the town, some beside the river or among orchards, with powered sites and full facilities. Freedom camping is limited and only for certified self-contained vehicles where Far North District Council permits it. See our Northland campsites guide.

Where are supplies?

Kerikeri has the best supermarkets in the Bay of Islands, along with fuel and dump stations, making it the ideal place to restock before heading to Doubtless Bay, the Karikari Peninsula and Cape Reinga. See our stocking up guide.

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