TIME VISITED: November 2015 BUSY ? NOT TOO BUSY
WEATHER: 80s🌤 REASON FOR VISIT: HelpX
WHERE TO STAY: HOSTELS OR MGV EXPENSIVE?: $$
Two years ago I bought a one way ticket to Auckland, NZ. My only plan was to see as much of this beautiful country as I could in the three months my visitor visa would allow. I will never forget landing in Auckland and thinking, “Holy shit, NOW WHAT?!” I only had my first two weeks planned, I stayed two nights in Auckland before heading north to my first stop Kerikeri.
HOW TO GET THERE
Most people ask, “How do you get around? and How do you afford these trips?”
This is a great example of why I place most of my traveling in the BUDGET TRAVEL category.
I booked the NAKED BUS and if you book far enough in advance you can get a bus for $1. ONE DOLLAR, and this takes you 4 hour bus ride up to the Northland! This bus system is very similar to the Megabus here in the United States. Very clean and affordable transportation.
If you decide to rent a car, this is also a great idea! There are tons of places to pull over in New Zealand and then you can take your time making your way up there.
WHERE TO STAY
Now there are a few hostels up there if you decided to travel that way, I heard some good things from a friend that stayed at Relax a Lodge for a few nights. If I wasn’t working up here I would have stayed there. I used the site HelpX and found some bed and breakfast/hotels that needed help. HelpX is an amazing site. It gives you the opportunity to work for anywhere from 3-8 hours a day in exchange for accommodation and meals. I am going to write a separate blog post soon about HelpX and how amazing it was while I traveled.
*For anyone who is spending a long time in NZ I would recommend having a car when you do Helpx, because then you can leave when you have time off. Luckily they had bikes so I was able to ride into town but otherwise it would have been a 30 minute walk each way.
Well. I hit the jackpot with my first HelpX experience. I met the most adorable couple Lionel and Rob who ran a 5 start Bed and Breakfast called Moon Gate Villa. They needed helping prepping the rooms, cleaning the pool, helping with breakfast, etc. This was a 4 bedroom villa that provided top customer service with an unbelievable experience! They were also known for their stunning gardens and I helped with weeding it and landscaping as well. Now this villa is worth it but very pricey, so if you are going for an anniversary or honeymoon this would be the time to splurge, otherwise volunteer here or just stay at the hostel in town.
You can rent a room in their main house or even rent out this little cottage!
They had an awesome pool set up, very small and exclusive.
THINGS TO SEE
I will always say, go to a random store or restaurant and ask where they recommend you go in the area. TripAdvisor is always amazing but when you ask them directly you get an opportunity to get to know the locals as well. And let me tell you, out of all the countries I have been to Kiwi’s (that’s what they call NZ babes) they are the nicest! It seems they would do anything for you, no matter what, I couldn’t believe it. The kindness of the Kiwi’s is something I will never forget it was so common and consistent.
Stone Store
After walking through the adorable small town of KeriKeri make your way to the bottom of the hill (Kingfisher Road) and visit the Stone Store. Trinkets, antiques and SO much history in this little building. Here is a bit more information from their website about the stone store.
“Established in 1819, the Kerikeri Mission Station is one of the first places in New Zealand where Māori invited visitors to live among them. Built under the protection of local chiefs who were keen to harness the trade and technology of Europe, Kerikeri Mission Station grew amidst a backdrop of tribal warfare and ever-increasing visits from foreign ships. Today, the Mission Station, situated along a pretty riverside just five minutes from central Kerikeri, is a captivating place to visit. Experienced tour guides are on hand to share stories of fierce warriors, drunken sailors, and the earnest missionaries who endeavoured to spread the Christian message amongst Māori, a proud people with their own ancient traditions. The hidden lives of many extraordinary women – both Māori and European – are also brought to light. Younger visitors will love the hands-on Children’s Chores Tour, held at 11am daily in summer. At the heart of the Mission Station are two of the country’s oldest buildings; the Stone Store and Kemp House are both cornerstones of a broader historical landscape and essential sights for heritage-lovers.”
Visit their website if you want to find out more about tours !
Honey House Cafe
After walking through the Stone Store walk to the Honey House Café it is right next door and they have outdoor seating along the river. It is so peaceful and the staff and service were excellent. I loved all their antique and unique water bottles they brought to each table, I got the fish one! I had an incredible blueberry muffin and then bought a veggie sandwich for my walk to Rainbow Falls.
Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa)
From the Stone Store there are signs to walk to Rainbow Falls through the bush(what Kiwi’s call the woods) for about 30 minutes (easy level walk). This is one of my favorite waterfalls in New Zealand (and there are a ton). This is also a beautiful place for a jog! This is not a loop route so you will have to walk 30 minutes back to the stone store after visiting the falls. I would give yourself 3-5 hours for this adventure. Although the walk is only an hour you will want to stay and enjoy the views of this waterfall, I set up my hammock and hung out for a bit. If you decide not to do the walk you can drive about 10 minutes from the Stone Store to the Rainbow Falls carpark(parking lot).
If you are a bit more adventurous scale the rocks and walk behind the waterfall! This is the first time I have ever done something like this and what a surreal feeling, being underneath the stream up above. Please be extra careful these rocks are EXTREMELY slippery. Also there are eels in the water, so watch out for them.
What about dangerous animals walking through the bush (woods)?
I had this question when I first arrived as well. Most people assume New Zealand is home to many dangerous animals because it is so close to Australia on the map. But, FUN FACTS 1. Australia is still a 3 hour flight from New Zealand and 2. New Zealand the only native mammal to this country is a bat. If you want the dangerous creatures head over to Australia, you won’t have any issues walking through the bush in this country!
Charlie’s Rock
Definitely less popular than Rainbow Falls, but still worth a visit. This is a beautiful little walk along the river, up to the waterfall. This waterfall is on private property but the owners are kind enough to let the public visit ! I was here almost two years ago so things may have changed so definitely check with your hotel or a local to see if it is still available to visit. You walk along the river to get here and there are a few rope swings along the way if you want to cool off. Once again eels do frequent the rivers here, to be honest I didn’t know this until after I got out. I never felt or saw one but obviously know they are in there!
Here is a video of me using the rope swings in the Rangitane River and jumping off Charlie’s Rock! Please always swim out and check the depth of the water before jumping in!
Manginangina Kauri Walk
Something you may never get good at is pronouncing the names of towns, cities and places in New Zealand, I know I never mastered it. But these tree’s are absolutely stunning and a must see. After a 15 minute drive from Kerikeri, you reach the carpark and make your way 400 meters along the well maintained boardwalk until you arrive at a grove of mature Kauri Trees. This track returns in a loop back to the carpark(what Kiwi’s call parking lot). Take a leisurely walk through the trees and as a bonus there are so many birds to hear and see. We went during the week right before sunset and were the only ones there! Here is a picture of me with one, even though this pictures doesn’t do the gigantic size justice.
One thing I didn’t do in New Zealand is skydive, it was a bit out of my budget for this trip but I want to go back and do it. I’ve heard the views are breathtaking, especially in Northland.
WHERE TO EAT
I had this Indian food three times in the two weeks I was in Kerikeri. I tried and loved their vegetable samosas, butter chicken, lamb korma, malai kofta, saag paneer and mushroom korma. ALL DELICIOUS. As always with Indian, never forget the naan! I loved the garlic and cheese naan.
I took my brother here when he was visiting for his first Thai experience and I am so excited it happened to be a great Thai restaurant. This restaurant served authentic Thai food exploding with flavor. I had the chili jam duck (one of the chef specials) and I loved it!
They are the number one restaurant in Kerikeri for a reason. Very cool decor and fancy dishes, very expensive but super good. I loved their pork belly entree and spring rolls.
What was your favorite thing to do in Kerikeri? Did you try any great restaurants? Comment below!
I am enjoying your blog Sammi and your photos are breathtaking. Keep them coming!