Kerikeri Basin historic precinct

Kerikeri Basin contains a number of sites representing the “early period” of contact between Maori and Pakeha dating back to 1819 when a mission was first established there. It is beautifully situated in a lush valley with a small waterfall and well worth a visit by anyone traveling in the Bay of Islands area.

A few miles away from Kerikeri during the 1820s and 30s the port of Kororareka (present day Russell) was known as the “Hell hole of the Pacific” for its lawlessness, prostitution etc. The trade in muskets from such places by the Maori led to devastating results on the tribal balance and terrible wars. At the same time, in nearby places like Kerikeri, European missionaries were trying to bring law and order to the area and benefits to the Maori in terms of agriculture, literacy and an end to their practice of slavery and cannibalism – leavened of course with a good dose of Christianity!

We saw 2 of the 4 locations listed on the UNESCO Web site as part of this T List site plus others. The Mission House built in 1822 is NZ’s oldest building and the nearby “Stone Store” was completed in 1836 (its lintel has the date “1833”). The Stone store is still run as a “store” downstairs, aimed at tourists but selling items which are appropriate to its history (e.g cooking pots!). The upper floor is a small museum. Higher on a hill above the wharf is the church of St James …