Kerikeri & Bay of Islands: Historic tour with lunch & falls

Summary

Walk through Kerikeri’s history, taste local chocolate, and see Rainbow Falls

You’ll walk through Kerikeri’s oldest buildings with a local guide, taste handmade chocolates fresh from Makana Factory, enjoy lunch with local wine or beer at Plough & Feather, and feel the mist at Rainbow Falls before heading back past sweeping Bay of Islands views—moments you’ll remember long after your trip.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — gravel crunching under our shoes as we crossed to the old Stone Store in Kerikeri. It’s not just any building; our guide, Dave (who seemed to know everyone), said it’s the oldest stone building in New Zealand. The river was right there, brownish-green and slow, and a tui bird made this weird metallic call from somewhere up in the trees. We wandered through the Mission Station too — I kept running my hand along the wooden railings, thinking about how Māori and European families actually lived here together two centuries ago. There’s something about old wood that smells like stories.

After that, we stopped at Makana Chocolate Factory. I’ll be honest: I thought it’d be touristy, but watching them pour glossy caramel over macadamias behind glass was kind of hypnotic (and yes, I bought a box for “later” — it didn’t last the afternoon). Our driver cracked a joke about chocolate being “essential Kiwi fuel.” Then we ducked into the Kauri Workshop next door; everything smelled faintly sweet and resinous from all that carved timber. I tried to pronounce one of the Māori names for a carving — Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it.

Lunch was at Plough & Feather, which sits right where those first settlers lived with Māori families. The menu had these little nods to both cultures — kumara fries next to fish pie, that sort of thing. My glass of local wine tasted crisp and cold after walking around in the sun. Someone at another table started talking rugby with our guide; suddenly half the pub was chiming in. It felt like everyone belonged there somehow.

On the way back, we took a short walk out to Rainbow Falls. The spray hit my face before I even saw the water — cool and sharp after all that food. There are three viewing platforms but honestly you just want to stand there and listen for a bit; it’s loud but peaceful at the same time. Heading back through Waitangi lookout loop, you get these wide views across Bay of Islands that don’t really fit into photos (I tried anyway). Still think about that river light sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historic Kerikeri and Bay of Islands

• Visit Kerikeri Mission Station and Stone Store
• Tour Makana Chocolate Factory
• Lunch at The Plough & Feather pub
• Walk and view Rainbow Falls

Top questions

How long is the Kerikeri & Bay of Islands historic tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from pickup to return.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at Plough & Feather along with a glass of local wine or craft beer.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options for lunch?

Yes, both vegetarian and gluten-free options are available at lunch.

Does this tour include entry to historic sites?

Yes, guided entry to both Kerikeri Mission Station and Stone Store is included.

Is transportation provided during the tour?

Yes, transport by air-conditioned minivan is included throughout the day trip.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Is Rainbow Falls accessible for wheelchairs?

The walk to Rainbow Falls is accessible by wheelchair from the car park.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and transport by air-conditioned minivan, guided tours inside Kerikeri Mission Station and Stone Store, chocolate tasting at Makana Factory, time at Kauri Workshop for browsing local crafts, plus lunch with a glass of local wine or craft beer before returning via Rainbow Falls lookout.