Te Waimate Mission


Set in verdant farmland 18km (20 minutes) southwest of Kerikeri, this pretty little cottage holds several claims to fame. It's NZ's second-oldest house (built in 1831) and the site of the country's first European-style farm. Many of the exotic trees surrounding it are among the oldest of their kind in the country, and Charles Darwin stayed here in 1835. Inside, the story of the mission station and its inhabitants is outlined in displays in rooms dotted with items of original furniture.

The complex also includes the wooden St John the Baptist Church and an 1877 Sunday school building.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Cottle Hill

5.17 MILES

Call into the cellar door for a tasting of wine, port and grappa. It's just off SH10 south of Kerikeri.

2. Rainbow Falls

7.99 MILES

An impressive waterfall on the Kerikeri River that can also be accessed via the road. An historic tea house is close by for those walking from the river…

3. Wharepuke Falls

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What it lacks in height this attractive waterfall makes up for in breadth. It's accessed from the Kerikeri River Track.

4. Kerikeri Mission Station

8.4 MILES

Two of the nation's most significant buildings nestle side by side on the banks of Kerikeri Basin. Start at the Stone Store, NZ's oldest stone building …

5. Rewa’s Village

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If you had a hard time imagining nearby Kororipo Pā in its original state, take the footbridge across the river to this mock-up of a traditional Māori…

6. Kororipo Pā

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Just up the hill from Kerikeri Mission Station is a marked historical walk that leads to the site of Hongi Hika's pā (fortress) and village. Little…

7. Charlie's Rock

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This secret swimming hole is not easy to find, but those who do are rewarded with a plunge in the crisp cold water. Ask the locals how to get here; you…

8. Haruru Falls

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A walking track (one way 1½ hours, 5km) leads from the Treaty Grounds along the Waitangi River to these attractive horseshoe falls. Part of the path…