Places of Interest

Your guide to our region’s most iconic destinations

 

Kerikeri. A town full of character, charm and flavour
The Stone Store
Down by the river is the Kerikeri Basin. Here you will find the Stone Store, New Zealand’s oldest stone building reflecting life of the first Pioneers. It has been open for business since 1836 and continues to trade today.

Kemp House
Right next door is Kemp House the oldest house in New Zealand built in 1822 a real survivor!

Hongi Hikas Pa and Rewas Village
Over the walkway crossing the river is Rewa’s Village. This is a replica of a Maori fishing village and Discoverers Garden.
Overlooking the Stone Store is Kororipo Pa Site, Honi Hika’s pa. It was at the time of the arrival of the first European (1800’s) a costal pa frequented by Honi Hika and Rewa Ngapuhi Chiefs.

Kawakawa 
The town itself was developed as a coal-mining town and produced coal during the late 1870’s and early 1880’s. The first use of railway transport in the North Island in the form of a tramway was used to haul the coal. The first engine in 1871 being ‘Puffing Billy’. The railway still runs through the main street and you can go for a trip on a vintage train.
Hundertwasser’ Centre and Toilets
Friedensreich Hundertwasser Austrian born architect and ecologist was commissioned to build the toilet block in 1997 in the main street.
He had a long association with the town and there is also now the new Te Hononga Hundertwasser Memorial Park built to preserve the memories and legacy of Hundertwasser.
Kawiti Caves
A few km’s south of Kawakawa be sure to see the spectatular glow worm caves together with unusual rock formations and stalactites.