The Bay of Islands is blessed with a climate (and soil) that makes it a wonderful area for growing produce. Kerikeri, in particular, is known as a horticultural area, with numerous kiwi fruit, mandarin and orange orchards. Kerikeri fruit is delicious! Home gardening is popular here too - it's the perfect place for it, after all! On our own property, we have over 50 fruit … [Read more...]
Kerikeri: things to do, eat & explore
Discover the best insider tips from a local, on things to do, eat and explore in Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
Paradise for dogs: Roland’s Wood dog park in Kerikeri
As beautiful as it is in the Bay of Islands, it's not so easy exploring it with your dog because dogs are banned from so many places. However, here's one beautiful place that both you and your dog will enjoy: Roland's Wood, which is just outside Kerikeri. What is Roland's Wood? Roland's Wood is a 4 hectare (10 acre) piece of land that was gifted by local man, Roland … [Read more...]
The Bay of Islands Farmers’ Market for fresh local produce
The Bay of Islands Farmers' Market is the original growers' market in the area. You'll find it in the car park outside the Post Office, off Hobson Avenue in Kerikeri. (It's just across the road from Cathay Cinemas.) The market is there every Sunday, rain or shine, from 8.30am to 12 noon. (There's also a market run by the same organisers in Paihia, on the Village Green, on … [Read more...]
Kerikeri beaches: where are they?
When friends come and stay, they often ask, "Where are the beaches like in Kerikeri?" Or: "What are the beaches in Kerikeri like?" Um, there aren't any beaches in central Kerikeri: although the town has a waterfront location, and yes it's a part of the Bay of Islands, the setting is a tidal inlet rather than beaches. In other words, a number of rivers and streams … [Read more...]
Kayaking the Kerikeri Inlet
A great way to explore Kerikeri is by kayak, on the Kerikeri Inlet - and it looks very different from the water than from the land! We launched our kayaks at Waipapa Landing - this is a good all-tide launching spot, with a concrete boat ramp, plenty of parking and also a toilet block. Map of Waipapa Landing boat ramp: The pin below shows the location of the boat ramp … [Read more...]
Sailing at Kerikeri Cruising Club
Did you know that sailing is a cheap and very accessible sport? I kid you not - it's true - certainly for crew. (It's a bit pricey if you're a boatowner, but you don't need to be a boat owner to sail in the Bay of Islands.) How to go sailing at Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands when you don't have a boat Kerikeri Cruising Club runs a packed schedule of sailboat races … [Read more...]
Kerikeri Saturday market at the Old Packhouse
The Old Packhouse market on Saturdays is one of my top 'Must Do' things in Kerikeri. Partially undercover, it's a great place to buy yummy fresh, local, seasonal produce and also have a bite to eat. There are a good number of stalls selling food to be enjoyed on the premises: my current favourites include the mussel fritters, pies and hangi. The Old Packhouse Market … [Read more...]
