Join this 3-hour tour to discover Kerikeri, its rich history and its dark secrets. In the early 1800s, Maori chief Hongi Hika, who terrorised many tribes throughout the North Island, resided in Kerikeri. There, he created a Church Missionary Society station on nearby land to further his war aims. However, Hongi and many of his followers had moved on by 1827, leaving Kerikeri to the missionaries and the Reverend Samuel Marsden who established New Zealand's second mission station and planted some of the country’s first grapevines. Today, wine is one of Kerikeri’s primary industries.

On your tour, visit a boutique vineyard, Ake Ake, located atop a rolling hill that has soil made of volcanic rock, clay, ironstone and gravel. In this sunny spot, sample the vineyard’s fine organic wine and organic coffee. Next, visit New Zealand’s oldest European buildings, including the Kerikeri Mission House (Kemp House) and the Stone Store. Built between 1832 and 1836, the Stone Store is the country’s oldest stone building and oldest surviving commercial building, which reveals New Zealand’s early international trade market.

Finally, conclude your tour on a sweet note with a visit to the boutique Makana Chocolate Factory, where you can observe the chocolates being made and sample them. Throughout the day, learn of the area and its heritage from your friendly and knowledgeable guide. Get a good taste of Kerikeri on this 3-hour guided tour.