enjoying summer in kerikeri | FEBRUARY 2025

To make the most of our beautiful ‘backyard’ and adjacent beaches and islands while staying safe, we’ve come up with some free ideas and tips for you, your family and visitors.

Get walking

There are many walking tracks that take in stunning bush, historic features, rivers and waterfalls. Most can be completed in one to two hours, are well marked and suitable for all fitness levels. Check out the Kerikeri River Track that starts at the Kororipo Heritage Park, the Te Wairere Waterfall Track  (bring your togs) and Charlies Rock Waterfall Track (bring your togs). Make sure you take plenty of drinking water, wear sensible shoes, use sunscreen, take a bag for any rubbish and be respectful of any dog restrictions and private land.

Pedal power

Kerikeri is increasingly becoming a cycling town, with schools, shops, markets and parks all accessible by bike. The Twin Coast Cycle Trail (Pou Herenga Tai), Kerikeri Mountain Bike Club and Waitangi Mountain Bike Park provide healthy options for enjoying the outdoors, seeing some beautiful scenery and working on those quads! Don’t forget your helmet!

Every drop counts

Water is a precious commodity (143.2mm of rain fell in Kerikeri in January) and at the time of writing, Far North District Council has imposed Level 2 restrictions on the Kerikeri – Waipapa area. This means no outdoor sprinklers or irrigation are to be used by properties connected to the town supply (this excludes Kerikeri Irrigation customers). This is a cautionary measure designed to mitigate further restrictions. Click here for more information and to keep updated on changes to levels.  

Feed your mind and fuel your body

Fancy learning some new recipes and impressing your friends? Kaeo-based author, Anna Valentine is a passionate cook with a love of locally grown ingredients that nourish the mind and body. Her Wild Waldolf Salad makes great use of edible flowers and plants often found in the backyard. Give this recipe a go, or check out others on her website, the Veggie Tree. For a ready-made treat or healthy meal, there are numerous markets, bakeries, restaurants, wineries and cafes. Supporting local businesses is another way of supporting our community.

Managing fire risks

Think twice before you light that fire. With dry, windy conditions even the most harmless campfire can get out of hand. To find out what you are allowed to do, visit the Northland Regional Council website.