Northland | A Winter Escape to Not-so-Sunny Kerikeri

I now regret throwing my head back and chortling how Winter was "so last month".  This past weekend was a timely reminder I should keep my smug little thoughts to myself, for a few more weeks at least.  A cunning plan was hatched to escape to sunny Northland. Kerikeri to be precise.

Damn! I wish Kerikeri was in on my awesome plan.
It rained, pretty much all weekend. 

But not to be the one left holding the gloom stick, I planned to make the most of full tank of diesel and youthful vigor.  A self-drive tiki-tour along the 40km Scenic Route seemed an obvious starter-for-ten for a wet Saturday. 

You'll find this beach-hopping coastal route signposted 20 minutes north of Kerikeri on State Highway 10.  Taking in some fabulous beaches, not even the rain could smoulder my enthusiasm:

Matauri Bay | A beautiful camping destination in summer, takes on another light in winter. Climb the hill and check out the Rainbow Warrior Memorial, or enjoy the golden sands that seem previlent in this Northern stretch of bays.

Tauranga Bay | Neat little camp ground right by the beach.  Back up the campervan and have sea-views at breakfast.  Awesome.

 

Mangonui | World famous for its fish and chips, you'd be crazy to visit this quaint little township and have a pie. I'm happy to report that the Mangonui Fish Shop lived up to its reputation: the freshly caught hapuku melted in my mouth, and the wee sav blanc to wash it down didn't go amiss either.  This harbourside location mixes casual dining (straight from the paper it comes wrapped in) with a delightful vista of fishing boats bobbing in the harbour to enjoy in the process. 





On a Saturday you'll find the local Craft Market on at the community hall (certainly worth a look).  Beautiful greenstone pendants (authentic NZ greenstone too, not imported stone), award winning Hihi Olive Oils to tempt the tastebuds, and even Dorothy's home cooking for the sweet-toothed.  And, to wear it all off, the Mangonui Heritage Trail offers a merry self-guided stroll through the local streets and you checkout some of the older buildings.

Cable Bay | Another lovely bay. Although not the weather for strolling, I can recommend the  ice-cream at the local dairy!  Heaps of flavours to choose from.  Friendly folk too.

Kaeo | A nice coffee at the BP station as you gas up (didn't come across any other petrol stations along this scenic route and the Far North) as this completes the loop has you circle back to Kerikeri.

Back at Kerikeri, there's plenty to do too, regardless of the weather.  The Stone Store was certainly a highlight.  The "buyer" who brings in all the souvenirs must have such a fun job, the choices are tremendous - along with the historical aspects of the store, but that's almost secondary! Beautiful pieces of Kiwiana that you'll just have to acquire: like 4 Square Guy tea towels, and Maori string games (that you played with in Primary School), and kitch magnets that make you smirk - I can't recall having more fun in a souvenir shop.  Bring money.

Right beside the Stone Store the Kerikeri Inlet, with lots of walking options (both riverside and to the Rainbow Falls), or a looksee at Rewa's Garden. 



Plenty to do in the rain, or any weather.

And where on Earth is Kerikeri?
Far North, Northland, NZ


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