Kerikeri and Crafts Half-Day Tour from Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Enjoy an afternoon at the charming and historic town of Kerikeri. Visit the Mission and Stone House to discover the Kerikeri's colonial past and its wine making future.

In the 1800's Kerikeri was home to the Maori chief Hongi Hika, a cleaver strategist and a tyrant to neighboring tribes. Hongi gave the early European settlers land for a Church Missionary Station and intended to use the mission to secure European weapons to further his war interests against his enemies. A second missionary was built, when Hongi and his followers left kerikeri a few years later. One of the first missionaries the Reverend Marsden is credited for planting grape vines in the area and forming what is now a thriving industry.

The first stop this afternoon is to visit the small family run Ake Ake vineyard to sample organic wine and coffee. Next, step back in time as you visit Kerikeri Mission House and the Stone Store, two of New Zealand's oldest standing European buildings. The Stone Store was originally built to house mission supplies and wheat, these days you can still shop there for souvenir items.

Finish your tour with a visit to the boutique Makana Chocolate Factory. See the mouthwatering chocolates being made and taste a few samples. You can even purchase some to take home.

Review by: oldbooklover	March 2011
Not a very interesting trip

Review by: Janice K	October 2010
A very interesting and informative tour. Our bus driver was very knowledgable about the area and there was a good mix of things to do and places to see. The tour of the winery was great and seeing the old buildings in Kerikeri was a wonderful experience. All in all a most enjoyable way to spend a half a day!