Enjoy the Kerikeri detour tiki-tour
Frustrated by the delay? Embrace the top attractions the area has to offer
Are you frustrated by the prospect of three weeks of having to drive the long way around to get out of Kerikeri? For motorists heading north the part-closure of Kerikeri Rd won’t make much difference, but anyone trying to head south will have to take a detour via the Heritage Bypass and Waipapa Rd to reach SH10.
But how about embracing the detour, putting that appointment off by an hour or so, and seizing the chance to explore?
Here’s a brief, and entirely subjective, guide to the detour’s top attractions as you head towards SH10 from Kerikeri.
The Kerikeri gums
As you’re heading down the Heritage Bypass cast your eyes to the left and enjoy the vista of towering, 90-yearold eucalypt trees because they won’t be there much longer.
The so-called Bing property has been sold for a housing development; it’s currently tied up in court action but the trees’ days are numbered.
Fairy Pools
Just upstream from the Heritage Bypass bridge is a summer swimming
spot known as the Fairy Pools. Look for the concrete path down to Kerikeri River (it starts just beyond the bridge on the other side of the road where there’s space for parking),
then walk a short distance upstream.
You can reach the other side of the pools from an accessway next to Cornerstone Church located on Kerikeri Rd.
Rainbow Falls
One of Kerikeri’s top sights, Rainbow Falls are easily accessed by turning left from Waipapa Rd onto
Rainbow Falls Rd. Look for the sign on the right marking the Department of Conservation carpark, then follow the path to the right to a series of lookouts. Also known as Waianiwaniwa, the waterfall tumbles 27m over the edge of an ancient lava flow. Visit on a fine day and, if the sun’s in the right place, you’ll see how the falls got their name.
Nearby you’ll find Kerikeri Mini Golf, which is open Thursday to Sunday (seven days a week from November).
Kerikeri River walkway
This track, part of Te Araroa longdistance trail, goes all the way from the Stone Store to SH10 but you can access one of the prettiest sections from Waipapa Rd. Look for the start of the track through Waitotara Reserve (at the corner of Waitotara Drive and Waipapa Rd) then follow the trail until you hit Kerikeri River and head upstream.
Highlights include a shady tōtara grove.