Shore Excursion to Historic Kerikeri Including Lunch

Exploring the historic town of Kerikeri on a shore excursion promises a captivating blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights. Visitors can enjoy New Zealand’s rich heritage by touring the renowned Kerikeri Mission Station and witnessing the stunning Rainbow Falls. The tour also includes a visit to the Makana Chocolate Factory, where guests can indulge in local artisanal treats. Capping off the experience is a delightful lunch at the Plough & Feather pub, where travelers can savor local beer or wine. This personalized, small-group tour offers an opportunity to discover Kerikeri’s hidden gems in a leisurely and enriching manner. What awaits those who embark on this journey?

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Lunch Experiences In Paihia.

Key Points

• 4-hour guided tour of historic Kerikeri town, including visits to Rainbow Falls, Makana Chocolate Factory, Kerikeri Mission Station, and Waitangi Lookout.
• Personalized experience with a group size limited to 11 participants.
• Lunch served at a local pub, with complimentary local beer or wine.
• Comprehensive introduction to Kerikeri’s cultural and natural wonders, with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off at Waitangi Wharf, ideal for cruise ship passengers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This shore excursion to the historic town of Kerikeri offers cruise ship passengers a comprehensive 4-hour guided tour, priced at K$2,929 per person.

The tour’s group size is limited to 11 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. All activities are conducted in English by a knowledgeable guide.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or opt for the reserve now and pay later option.

Highlights include visiting the iconic Rainbow Falls, sampling artisanal chocolates at the Makana Chocolate Factory, and exploring the Kerikeri Mission Station’s historic buildings.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Waitangi Wharf, the pick-up and drop-off point for cruise ship passengers visiting the historic town of Kerikeri. The first stop is Rainbow Falls, where visitors can view the cascading waterfall from three viewing platforms. Next, the group visits the Makana Chocolate Factory to sample handmade chocolates and explore the adjacent Kauri Workshop. The tour then ventures to the Kerikeri Mission Station, featuring the iconic Stone Store and Kemp House, New Zealand’s oldest building. Lunch is served at the Plough & Feather pub, where guests can enjoy local beer or wine. The final stop is the Waitangi Lookout, offering scenic views of the ship and the town of Russell.

Itinerary Highlights	Duration
Rainbow Falls	45 minutes
Makana Chocolate Factory	30 minutes
Kerikeri Mission Station	1.5 hours
Lunch at Plough & Feather pub	N/A

Starting Location

The tour begins at the Waitangi Wharf, which serves as the pick-up and drop-off point for cruise ship passengers visiting the historic town of Kerikeri.

This convenient starting location allows for easy access to the tour, as participants can simply meet the group at the wharf and begin their exploration of the region.

The wharf itself offers stunning views of the surrounding area, providing an idyllic setting to kickstart the excursion.

From here, the group will embark on their journey to discover the cultural and natural wonders that make Kerikeri such a captivating destination, delving into its rich history and seeing the local charm.

Rainbow Falls

Tour participants first visit Rainbow Falls, a stunning natural wonder located just a short drive from Waitangi Wharf. Cascading over a series of rock formations, the falls offer visitors three viewing platforms from which to capture breathtaking photographs of the rushing waters and surrounding lush greenery. The three viewing platforms provide different perspectives and vantage points, allowing guests to fully appreciate the beauty of this natural attraction.

Platform	Vantage Point	Highlights
Upper	Overlooking the top of the falls	Panoramic views of the cascading waters
Middle	Closer to the base of the falls	Opportunity to hear the roar of the falls
Lower	Closest to the base of the falls	Chance to feel the mist from the crashing waters

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Makana Chocolate Factory

From the awe-inspiring Rainbow Falls, the tour then heads to the Makana Chocolate Factory, where participants can sample handmade chocolates and browse the adjacent Kauri Workshop for crafts and collectibles.

At the factory, visitors can indulge in a delightful chocolate tasting experience and learn about the art of chocolate-making.

The Kauri Workshop also offers a chance to explore unique local crafts and collectibles, providing a perfect opportunity to find the ideal souvenir.

The stop at the Makana Chocolate Factory is a delightful addition to the tour, offering a sweet interlude and a chance to take in the local culture and artistry.

Kerikeri Mission Station

Next, the tour visits the historic Kerikeri Mission Station, established in 1819.

Here, participants explore the iconic Stone Store, built in 1832 as a Missionary Society warehouse, and the Kemp House, New Zealand’s oldest building completed in 1821/22.

This immersive experience allows guests to step back in time and gain insight into the region’s rich missionary heritage.

The Stone Store’s grand architecture and the Kemp House’s well-preserved interiors offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives and practices of the early Christian settlers.

Visitors can wander through these historic structures, imagining the stories they hold and the pivotal role they played in shaping the cultural landscape of Kerikeri.

Waitangi Lookout

After visiting the historic Kerikeri Mission Station, the tour makes its final stop at the Waitangi Lookout, providing participants with a scenic overlook of the ship and the town of Russell across the bay.

This breathtaking viewpoint offers:

• Panoramic vistas of the sparkling Kerikeri Inlet and the surrounding countryside

• Photo opportunities to capture the beautiful natural landscape

• A chance to appreciate the historical significance of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds located nearby

• Insights from the knowledgeable tour guide about the region’s rich cultural heritage

• A peaceful moment to reflect on the day’s exploration of Kerikeri’s unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

Experience Details

Participants are transported between the tour’s stops via a comfortable van, with designated travel times allotted for each location.

A knowledgeable live guide provides insightful commentary throughout the excursion, enhancing the overall experience.

At each stop, visitors are afforded ample opportunities to capture scenic photographs, particularly at the stunning Rainbow Falls and the picturesque Waitangi Lookout.

The tour is designed to provide a well-rounded introduction to the historic Kerikeri region, allowing guests to enjoy the area’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

From sampling handcrafted chocolates to enjoying a local lunch, the experience offers a blend of educational and culinary delights.

Recap

This captivating shore excursion to historic Kerikeri offers a blend of cultural, natural, and culinary delights.

Visitors will explore stunning Rainbow Falls, the renowned Makana Chocolate Factory, and the Kerikeri Mission Station, seeing New Zealand’s rich heritage.

The personalized tour, capped at 11 participants, culminates with a delightful lunch at the Plough & Feather pub, creating an unforgettable experience amidst scenic views.

You can check if your dates are available here: