Kororipo Precinct is awesome. Shop in a stone store trading continuously for over a hundred years. The heritage and ghosts of traders, powerful Maori chiefs, missionaries is palpable. Explore the mission station (guided tours only) and find a pear tree almost as old as the stone store.
Kororipo Heritage Park is at the end of Kerikeri Inlet. The precinct is home to Stone Store, Kemp House, Kororipo Pa and Rewa’s Village. Aotearoa’s modern identity was forged in this area.
- Stone Store is the oldest stone building in the country. It has been continuously trading since 1833, on the upper floor is a small museum. The store is built Store, built in 1832–36 as a storehouse, granary and trading post. Made of volcanic rock and Sydney sandstone.
- Kemp House, the oldest surviving house in the country, is open to guided tours only which depart from the Stone Store. The house was built by Maori and European carpenters using hand sawn timbers, a restored heritage garden reflecting nineteenth century planting.
- Kororipo Pa with its views made for a commanding fortress and major site for Hongi Hika. Your imagination can sweep across the inlet with its 360c views and visualise the opportunities a strategic Maori leader capitalised on. Hongi Hika was pivotal in the Maori and European dynamic interface. There are explanatory plaques describing key areas within the remains of the fortified Pa structure.
- Te Ahurea formerly known as Rewa’s Village is a replica pre-European Māori fishing village named after Ngāpuhi chief Rewa. Along with stunning vantage points for photos of the Kerikeri basin The village is worth a visit to observe the extensive garden of native plants important to pre-European Maori.
- Selfie moment with an ancient pear tree as the background thriving in the orchard behind the cafe. There is a strong mesh fence around the ancient pear tree.
- While not part of the historic precinct the proximity of the Sculpture Garden Kerikeri Wharepuke Sculpture Park – Art Park Kerikeri is a recommended cultural stop. The walk to the sculpture garden is approximately 500 metres. Over five acres of mature garden, sculptures embedded among native trees, a restaurant and the enthusiasm of an artist makes for a must see Kerikeri visit. Wharepuke offers accommodation in several chalets dotted throughout the garden. A quiet artistic retreat in the winterless North is appealing. The garden is now designated as a garden of national significance.
Walk in the footsteps of chief Hongi Hika and early missionaries to Kororipo Pā – this short, easy walk is suitable for children.
- Discover the route that has connected the historic Stone Store and Kororipo Pā for two centuries.
- Enjoy amazing views of Kerikeri River, Kororipo Basin, the historic Stone Store and the bush-clad site of Te Ahurea (Rewa’s Village).
- Learn about the famous Ngapuhi chief Hongi Hika and the history of Kororipo Pā.
- Find out about the meeting place where Māori and Europeans came to trade, talk and learn and where missionaries tried to convert Māori to Christianity.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO NEARBY KORORIPO PRECINCT, KERIKERI?
Nearby Kororipo Heritage Precinct, Kerikeri there is:
- Haruru Waterfalls – Scenic highlight
- Russell, Bay of Islands things to do – Best Bits
- Paihia & Waitangi attractions, things to do and places to visit – Best Bits
- Mangonui, Northland things to see and do – Best Bits
- Kerikeri Day Trip – Te Waimate & Ngawha Pools
- Day Trips to Coca Cola Lake, Taumarumaru, & Rangikapiti Pa
- TOP-10 Mission Stations in Northland to see
For historic buffs and heritage trail enthusiasts Kororipo, Kerikeri is a must-go destination.
KORORIPO HERITAGE PARK LOCATION
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE