Author: richwest3

December 15, 2012

Geese, ducks, chicken and swans can all be found on the grounds of the Kerikeri Basin and are very cooperative about posing for photographs, especially the chickens.  -Cyndi

December 2012 – March 2013

In Kerikeri, just outside of the town, is an area where the Kerikeri river falls over rocks and down into a tidal inlet.  This inlet looks like a small lake, but it actually winds behind an area of trees and out to the Bay of Islands.  When you’re in Kerikeri, you have no sense of being anywhere near the ocean, so we were shocked when we spotted a couple of boats we know in the river basin.  How on earth did they get there?  We found out boats can go up a river into the basin if they have a shallow draft.

Near the the river are some of New Zealand’s most important historical sites, including the Kemp House dating back to 1821.  Back then it was used as a home, and it is still in use today as thousands of reluctant spouses are herded through at the insistence of their more historic-home-tour-loving partners.

There is also the Stone Store, which dates back to 1832 and is the oldest stone building in New Zealand.  Now, it’s open to the public has become a pick-up put-down gift shop (you see something nice, pick it up, see the price, and put it back down).  Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to browse as they have some wonderful things.

There is also the St. James Church (a beautiful little chapel), Rewa’s Village (a recreation of a Maori village), and the wonderful Pear Tree restaurant.  But the best reason to go is the scenery as this is such a pretty spot.  When I think about how to describe it, the words pastoral and bucolic come to mind, words I don’t normally use but pop into my head here. -Cyndi

(December 6, 2012 – March 5, 2013)

Aside from the favorites, we found some other good eateries in Kerikeri.

Fishbone

It took us a long time to try this cafe because it always seemed so busy.  It turns out it’s busy because it’s really good.  If we stay in the area in the future we’ll make a lot more visits here.  I highly recommend it.

Kerikeri Bakehouse & Cafe

There are actually two of these in Kerikeri, one on the road into town and one in the center of town.  The one on the road into town is definitely the better of the two (in fact I would not recommend the one in the center of town at all).  This is part of a chain of eateries in New Zealand and features baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and other assorted dishes.  I would not go out of my way to come here, but if it’s convenient, it’s a nice place to eat.

Chang Siam Thai Restaurant

This place is outside the center of town, and we didn’t go for a long time because it looked rather formal (which tends to = expensive).  I was surprised when we finally went in that it’s actually quite casual and the prices are good.  That said, we only went here once and I wouldn’t say it was special, but it was good.  If you’re in the mood for Thai food, this is the place to go.

Neon

This little cafe is actually on the outskirts of town, sharing a parking lot with the big Warehouse store.  It never looked that interesting so we didn’t go until we were about ready to leave the area.  Too bad, because it was surprisingly good.  This is another one we’d get back to if we are ever staying in the area. – Cyndi

Update: Neon has closed.

(December 6, 2012 – March 5, 2013)

There are many eateries in Kerikeri, and we certainly didn’t get to all of them.  But we did have some favorites that I’d love to mention here, not just for anyone interested back in the US but for our fellow cruisers here in New Zealand.  (It’s late in the season as I write this, but there are quite a few of us coming back next year).  I will start with our four favorite places in Kerikeri (in no particular order) and one honorable mention.

Cafe Jerusalem

We heard great things about this place, and we weren’t disappointed.  The food is Middle Eastern and is amazing; plus there’s a beautiful vine-covered patio where you can sit and enjoy your meal . I can’t say enough about this place.  If you find yourself in Kerikeri, make it a point to check it out!

Aegean Pizzeria

This place is just off the main street and is easy to overlook.  I was skeptical when we first went as they advertise kebabs, souvlaki, pizza and pasta, which seems like a strange combination of specialties to me.  But then we had the Aegean Special pizza, one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life!  We came back regularly and found the kebabs and souvlaki are also delicious (we never tried the pasta as that pizza was just too good to bypass again).  The coffee drinks are great, as are the desserts—I especially recommend the Chocolate Marquise.  This place is a gem!

Update: Last we were in Kerikeri, this place, sadly, had closed.

The Italians

This place is very special, and would be just as special in New York or Los Angeles as it is in Kerikeri.  The chef/owner is Northern Italian and cooks the dishes of that region.  The Italians is only open for dinner and can be pricey, but they have a pasta special on Thursday nights where you can get a pasta dish, bread, and a glass of wine for $25 NZD. For food of this caliber, it is a great bargain.  Be warned: the food can take some time to get to your table, but it’s worth the wait.  This place is not just something to seek out in Kerikeri, it is a reason to visit Kerikeri.

Update: The Italians has since lost their lease in Kerikeri and closed, but we’ve heard (but not confirmed) that they’ve re-opened their restaurant in Paihia.

The Pear Tree Bar and Restaurant

The food is really good, and the setting down by the river basin is spectacular.  It can be pricey, but it’s wonderful for a special lunch or dinner out.  We came here for lunch one day with some friends, and promptly made reservations for our Valentine’s Day dinner.  It was perfect.

And the Honorable Mention:

Food at Wharepuke (yep, that’s the name of the restaurant)

The food is very good and the place is beautiful; so I’m not sure why this wasn’t a favorite. I guess it’s that the prices are a little high and the portions are a little small.  That said, it’s worth going at least once to just enjoy the beautiful deck.  Just don’t go with a big appetite, or swing by the McDonald’s up the street after you go.  (I do hear they have a wonderful Thai buffet dinner on the weekend.) –Cyndi

(December 6, 2012 – March 5, 2013)

One of our favorite things about being in Opua was our trip every Sunday morning to the farmers’ market in Kerikeri.  Aside from beautiful produce, there is great coffee, amazing bread, good cheese, music, and yummy sausage sandwiches.  The best thing, though, is the amazing blueberry pancakes.  They are the best we’ve ever had.  Paihia also has a farmers’ market (on Thursdays), but this one is just better. -Cyndi