A quick trip to Kerikeri

We took advantage of a couple of days of lovely weather and headed to Kerikeri where the Motor Caravan Association has a park that backs onto a section of native bush. Just metres behind the bush is Rainbow Falls.

We decided to have a long walk and began by walking beside the river to Kerikeri Basin. This takes about an hour. We usually have coffee at the Honey House Cafe but it was closed, as was the Stone Store and Kemp House. (It looked like a problem with drains.)

The gardens at Kemp House were beautiful as usual.

Since our favourite cafe was closed we went across to the one that used to be called the Pear Tree. A pear tree outside was planted by the missionaries that lived at Kemp House. We couldn't complain about the coffee, cakes or the peaceful setting.

This old blacksmith's shed dates back to the mission days.

Next we wandered around, inside and out, the old church on the hill overlooking the basin. On our way up the road we spotted a path leading into bush and decided to explore.

This track (with archaeological remains) took us along the southern side of the river to Kerikeri, where we had lunch. Then we doubled back to the bypass, crossed over the river and walked back to Rainbow Falls. Quite a long walk.

 After two sunny days, the following day was cloudy. We had to head home anyway and took the backroad through Twin Bridges, a road with native bush, farmland, and the Twin Bridges. 😊

Ruapekapeka Pa and Kawakawa

Ruapekapeka pa (the Bat's Nest)is a very well preserved Maori Pa used in the New Zealand Wars. It's about 40 minutes drive north from home and we visited on a sunny day recently. There is a carved entranceway on the path that leads from the car park. Malcolm is heading to a flat area which looks up to the Pa in one direction and across to the position the British took if you look the other way.

Beyond the grassy area the path took us up through native bush, mainly ancient puriri to the entrance of the Pa, atop the hill. There was another carved gateway here.

This pou sits at the summit of the hill.

The earthworks dug by Maori are till visible. Their system of tunnels and trenches were studied by the British and the concept used in WW1. The cannon was originally from a ship.

Our next stop was just up the road in Kawakawa. Previously famous for the train that runs along its main street and public toilets designed by Hundertwasser, Kawakawa now boasts a Hundertwasser inspired hub. The building has a library, Hundertwasser gallery and interpretation centre. There's parking for motorhomes and showers and toilets available (all beautifully mosaic-ed).

Entrance pillars

Some of the info inside.

Central pillar with staircase to the gallery.

At the railway station...