Established in 1819, the Kerikeri Mission Station is one of New Zealand’s first places where Māori invited visitors to live among them. Built under the protection of local Māori 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.

Located only 5 minutes from Kerikeri, one of the many activities is touring with our experienced guides who will share stories of fierce warriors and drunken sailors, and the earnest missionaries who preached, taught and battled to spread the Christian message amongst Māori, a proud people with their own ancient traditions.

The Kerikeri Mission Station is the site of two of the country’s oldest surviving buildings - the Stone Store and Kemp House.

Stone Store

The Stone Store was built in the 1832 from sandstone, local volcanic rocks and burnt shell mortar, and has been a trading post, library, barracks and boys’ school. The building has operated as a general store since the 1870s, and today offers an amazing range of authentic trade goods similar those first traded in the early 19th century, along with a quirky range of uniquely New Zealand merchandise.

Kemp House

Kemp House is New Zealand’s oldest building, a substantial European home, built by Māori and missionary carpenters. Despite bearing witness to many historically significant events, Kemp House has changed little over time. Experience the rich history of this home, as our guides take you back through time and relive days gone by.

Heritage gardens and orchards

Enjoy the award-winning riverside heritage gardens and orchards in the Kerikeri Mission Station surrounds. These gardens have been cultivated over the past 200 years making them New Zealand’s oldest gardens.

Stone Store Shop: free Guided tours - includes entry to Kemp House & Stone Store Museum $10 adults, unaccompanied children (up to 18 years) $3.50, accompanied children free. Entry to Kemp House is by guided tour only to help preserve New Zealand's oldest building.

Local

Eat and Drink

• Amazing Thai at Bay of Islands - Paihia (8.5 miles) - Fabulous Thai restaurant in the Bay of Islands offering delicious food catering to all tastebuds, Th...
• Ala Moana Motel - Paihia (8.6 miles) - We are the best located motel on the main Paihia waterfront. We are surrounded by an abundance of hi...
• Alfrescos Restaurant and Bar - Paihia (8.9 miles) - Alfresco's Restaurant & Bar is a family run business located on the waterfront in Paihia in the ...
• Nikau Restaurant & Lounge Bar - Paihia (8.9 miles) - The Nikau Restaurant within Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands offers casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere...
• The Gables Restaurant - Russell (9.5 miles) - New Zealand’s oldest operating Restaurant, The Gables offers fine food and wine in a stunning wate...

See and Do

• Stone Store and Kemp House Kerikeri (0.0 miles) - Established in 1819, the Kerikeri Mission Station is one of New Zealand’s first places where Māor...
• Coastal Kayakers Waitangi (5.9 miles) - Guided kayak tours in and around the Bay of Islands. 3-4 hour guided Waitangi river tour towards the ...
• Bay of islands Paddleboarding Northland (7.4 miles) - Our Bay of Islands Nature Cruise starts with a Cruise along our local coastline & up a meandering ri...
• Coastal kayakers Paihia (7.6 miles) - Coastal Kayakers offer a wide range of guided Kayak tours in the beautiful Bay of Islands and up the...
• Coastal Kayakers Paihia (7.6 miles) - Since 1988 Coastal Kayakers has been offering guided tours of the historic Waitangi River, Haruru Fa...

Shopping

• The Old Packhouse Market - Kerikeri (2.5 miles) - Kerikeri's popular indoor/outdoor market is open every Saturday rain or shine and showcases Nort...