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Spotlight
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Kerikeri - Northland's subtropical wonderland
Friday, 14 August 2009
To visit Kerikeri is to indulge in an adventure of art, food, cafe culture, boutique shopping and, at the northern end, New Zealand’s most historic site at the Stone Store Basin.
 | | The Stone Store, Kerikeri. | First stop for most visitors is Makana Confections which specialises in gift-quality chocolates – all hand-made and using only the freshest, natural ingredients and is part of the Art & Craft Trail.
Across to Wyldwoode for gifts, ceramics, timber, kitchens and design work. Next up is Pete’s Pioneer & Transport Museum where you can take a step back to yesteryear with an amazing collection of vehicles, and pioneering displays.
Heading towards the township are Hot Ginger Gallery, Kaan Zamaan and gravel contemporary art which hold regular Art Exhibitions.
The hub of the township is now one-way, for ease of use and parking. Through the other side of town is Kerikeri’s own art co-operative or wander down the Stone Store hill to the fabulous Wharepuke Subtropical Gardens, New Zealand’s newest Gardens of Significance. A little further on down the road you come to the site of New Zealand’s earliest ‘trading post’, dating back to 1819. Kerikeri Mission Station includes the oldest wooden house to survive, and the unique Stone Store.
Across the road you find the superb Landing Bar & Restaurant which is open seven days and has just been taken over by Neil and Nicola Brazier. From there take a leisurely ride along the Kerikeri Inlet aboard the iconic Eliza Hobson.
Just north of Kerikeri on State Highway 10 is a Kauri forest complete with boardwalk and easy parking and access, not to be missed. The Stone Store was constructed to hold mission supplies and wheat from the mission farm at Te Waimate. was mainly leased as a Kauri gum trading store.
Today, you can shop for authentic frontier trade goods and classically branded Kiwiana products recalling the great Kiwi summer holiday and the Stone Store’s place in history as a Northland tourism icon.
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