Kerikeri
Kerikeri holds a significant place in New Zealand's history, being the site of the country's second mission, established in 1819. Overlooking the Kerikeri Inlet, you'll find two of New Zealand's most iconic and oldest surviving buildings: the Stone Store (1833), the country's oldest stone building, and Kemp House (1822), its oldest wooden structure. Both have been meticulously restored and offer fascinating insights into early colonial life. Across the water, Hongi Hika's fortified pā also welcomes visitors, connecting you to Māori heritage.
Beyond its rich past, Kerikeri is also known for its natural beauty, including the picturesque Rainbow Falls, a stunning multi-tiered waterfall just a short drive from the town centre. Today, Kerikeri is also celebrated for its lush fruit orchards and a vibrant fine arts and crafts scene. Discover the unique blend of history, natural beauty, and contemporary culture that makes Kerikeri a truly special destination.
Kemp House
Kemp House also known as Kerikeri Mission House is New Zealand's oldest European building. Built by the London-based Church Missionary Society in 1821 to 1822 with the help of local Maori, it was situated under Ngapuhi Pa and was under the protection of the local tribal chief Hongi Hika. The 2 storey Georgian designed building was built primarily from Kauri. You can visit Kemp House on guided tours, highlights include the garden which has been cultivated since 1820 and is in a similar style to the original garden, as well as furnishings and personal wares from the last missionary family to live here, James Kemp and his wife Charlotte, who went on to purchase Kemp House after the missionary closed and ran a Kauri gum business out of the historic Stone Store.
Stone Store
The Stone Store is New Zealand's oldest stone building and was completed in 1836. It was designed by Wesleyan missionary John Hobbs and built by William Parrot an ex-convict stonemason from New South Wales. Originally designed to be the base for the missionaries trading post and for storage of their produce, as this wasn't profitable, the store was used for other purposes. These included a brief stint as the missionary library and as the magazine and barracks for Governor George Grey's troops during the first Maori war, it eventually was bought by the Kemp family who used it as a kauri gum trading store, then a general store. Today you can see artefacts and displays of its history, and purchase heritage-related gifts.
Check out our travel blogs here
Get inspired with stories and advice on visiting New Zealand.
Our team of New Zealand specialists can help you create the perfect touring itinerary. Whether you want to explore the South Island on a self drive holiday or the North Island on an escorted coach tour package we can design or recommend the best options. We have a huge range of accommodation ideas to suit everyone and our first hand experience of destinations and activities means that we can give the best, most up to date honest advice.
Discover New Zealand is part of the Fine Tours Group of companies. It specialises in self drive, seat in coach and guided coach touring holidays across New Zealand's North & South Islands. We have hundreds of tour ideas listed to inspire you or give you an indication of what is possible to achieve on your New Zealand adventure. Whether it is a luxury fully guided coach tour or a self driven off the beaten track adventure, we have something suitable for everyone. Our wide range of tour lengths and tour prices give you options and are tailor-made so we can build the itinerary to suit your interests and needs.
Our team of consultants are all 100% Pure New Zealand Certified specialists and are passionate about designing your New Zealand holiday. Our consultation service is free and our quotes are provided with no obligation. Based in the heart of Wanaka you can be assured you will get the best local advice when planning your dream holiday to New Zealand. Contact one of our experienced team today.
Discover New Zealand is also Qualmark Gold Certified. This is Tourism New Zealand's official measure of how our business impacts the environment and our team are proud to have achieved the highest level of quality.