Discover some of Kerikeri's best keep secrets in this popular afternoon tour.

Kerikeri is rich in history and was home territory for the formidable Maori chief Hongi Hika, who terrorised many tribes throughout the North Island in the early 1800s. A shrewd strategist, Hongi made nearby land available for a Church Missionary Society station. He intended to use the mission to secure European weapons and other skills to further his war aims. By 1827, however, Hongi and many of his followers had moved on, leaving Kerikeri to the missionaries and the Reverend Samuel Marsden who established New Zealand's second mission station here.

Reverend Marsden is also widely credited with planting the first grapevines in New Zealand. The vines were planted as part of Marsden’s efforts to establish a settlement for the Church Missionary Society at Kerikeri. He recorded the planting in his journal of his second visit to New Zealand:

"We had a small spot of land cleared and broken up, in which I planted about a hundred grape vines of different kinds brought from Port Jackson. New Zealand promises to be very favourable to the vine, as far as I can judge at the present of the nature of the soil and climate. Should the vine succeed it will prove of vast importance in this part of the globe."

Wine still features as one of Kerikeri's primary industries and on our afternoon tour you will visit the small family run boutique vineyard Ake Ake and sample their organic wine or organic coffee. Ake Ake Vineyard sits on a 5ha sunny spot just outside Kerikeri on rolling hill and the soil a complex mix of volcanic, clay, ironstone and gravel. 

Next take a step back in time as we visit the Kerikeri Mission Station, home to New Zealand's oldest standing European buildings: the Stone Store and Kerikeri Mission House (Kemp House).  The Stone Store, New Zealand’s oldest stone building and was built between 1832-36. The Stone Store is of national and international significance as the oldest surviving commercial building in New Zealand, demonstrating the early stages of the country's connection with international trade.

We conclude the tour with a visit to the boutique Makana Chocolate Factory where you can watch the delicious chocolates being made, taste a few samples, and of course shop for gifts and indulgences. 

Pricing & Departures

Discover Kerikeri and Crafts

Adult $55.00
Child (5-14) $27.50
Infant $0.00

Departs: 1:15 PM  Returns: 4:15 PM  Duration: 03:00 Hrs
2012-02-05 03:00:03

Content and pricing valid until April 30 2012

Departure Point

Paihia: Maritime Building, waterfront.

Commentary

A full commentary is provided in English by your tour guide.

What to Bring

Hat, sunscreen, walking shoes and camera.