NEARBY NEIGHBOURS Kerikeri Located in Northland, Kerikeri has become the commercial and residential hub of the Bay of Islands. Celebrated for its stunning coastline and fascinating history, the area known as the Kerikeri Mission Station in central Kerikeri boasts the oldest wooden structure in the country; the Mission House built in 1822. Now renamed Kemp House, it sits alongside the oldest stone structure in the country; the Stone Store, which attracts thousands of visitors each season. Kerikeri enjoys a number of New Zealand ‘firsts’; the first permanent mission station, the first to plant grapes, the first use of the plough and, with Russell only an hour away, hopefully we could be forgiven for saying it was the home of our first capital. These days, Kerikeri has a more diverse landscape than those first 100 vines planted in the late 1800s. With its rich volcanic soil came cultivation on a grander scale; with citrus orchards, tamarillo, passionfruit and feijoa to name a few. The early 1970s brought to the area the first commercial kiwifruit venture. Visiting the local markets, you can see a wide range of local sub-tropical produce on offer, or stop at any number of roadside stalls to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables.
Though the population of Kerikeri remains around the 6,500 mark, there is a noticeable swell in numbers between December and April when both national and international tourists arrive for the summer months. Not just a pretty face with a backyard renowned for swimming, diving and fishing, Kerikeri is a place to do business as well. Kerikeri has seen quite an increase in the real estate sector in the last year, with a rise of 12% in sales volumes in February 2016. The median price of houses says it all: $510,000 compared with Whangarei County at $450,000. We are seeing a large proportion of people moving from cities such as Christchurch and Auckland, which can only be a boost to our unique northern regions. From art to light industrial, restaurants to professional services, this is a great place to live and learn. There are excellent schools and tertiary education programmes and, if you are planning on settling in to your retirement, Kerikeri offers one of the warmest climates in the North Island. Just remember to pack your fishing rod. Norm, Angie & Dougal Mike Pero Real Estate Kerikeri & The Far North
