kerikeri - New Zealand

The rural drive to Keri Keri, a long established fruit and vineyard area, with an international resident base, has the blueberry ice cream farm on the right ........definitely worth a detour. The route passes the Old Packhorse Market, a weekend ‘must’ which buzzes with life and an eclectic mix of talented arts and crafts, jewellery and fresh farm produce. A mouth watering array of tasty freshly prepared drinks and food, good naturedly served to the sound of live music. Cross the road to feast your eyes on the Makana confections. View the production area of the hand made chocolates, select your choice, takes a while  and then move into the cafe alongside....Generous outdoor seating is also available. A mouthwatering array of freshly made cakes, makes choosing very difficult...you won’t be disappointed. Drive leisurely past an array of interesting stop off venues...pottery, vintage cars, galleries restaurants and cafes. Make a note, you can come back later. The town itself has been converted to a circular one way system, the Main Street a delight of alfresco cafes, galleries and individual shops....books, clothes, sportswear.

Taster Tours

The Stone Store and Kemp House- Keri Keri Mission House. Based on the river with wonderful gardens of old fashioned fruit and flowers. The first place the Maori invited visitors to live amongst them.....to harness the trade from Europe. A delightful cafe with good food and a shop, which sells an array of quality old fashioned goods. A peaceful walk along the river to Rainbow Falls amongst bees, birds and flowers just completes the picture. Drive on again and there are renowned wineries, all of which make you welcome. Marsden Estate Winery, which introduced the first grapevine to NZ in 1819. Great food eaten overlooking the laden vines...the wine you need to try! Ake-Ake wines, again tours are available, with a selection of wines to drink or take away. The restaurant comes highly recommended. Fat Pig... a small hands on winery, great for those new to wine growing and with an inquiring mind.

Time to Linger

Cafe Jerusalem is tucked away in a cobble-stone mall underneath the hanging grape vines. Fresh and authentic Israeli food is served by warm and welcoming staff. Cathay Cinema and Cafe offers a selection of current films regularly changed in a very comfortable environment. An all day cafe serves tasty home made food.