Bay of Islands (Waitangi), New Zealand

Kerikeri Historic Buildings & Rainbow Falls

A Look at New Zealand’s Pioneer Life Step back in time to 1814, imagining the lives of pioneering British missionary families who settled in the wilds. Your tour of Kerikeri begins with a scenic drive to the town, where settlers like Samuel Marsden and Charlotte and James Kemp accomplished many “firsts,” such as planting New Zealand’s first grapevines and citrus trees. You will see New Zealand’s oldest wooden building, Kemp House, filled with period furnishings, and the Stone Store, a weatherproof warehouse that was later a general store. Marvel at its authentic reproductions of goods from the 1820s to 1860s. Also within sight are Rewa’s Village, a reconstructed Māori fishing village, and a path leading to the fortified headquarters of Chief Hongi Hika. Enjoy morning or afternoon tea at a local venue before a short drive takes you to beautiful Rainbow Falls, which cascades into a pool on the Kerikeri River. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.