Kerikeri and the Arts Craft Trail
Trip Start
Feb 08, 2008
1
7
29
Trip End
Mar 10, 2008
Kerikeri,
New Zealand
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Groceries are the first order of business and we set off on foot to explore the neighbourhood and to find groceries. We probably should have brought the car as we get very carried away at the grocery store. We buy enough supplies for at least 2 days and a 6 pack for about $80.00 (and all from the grocery store). It is definitely cool here in the evening and is jacket weather. Just down the street from the grocery store is McDonalds and this is were we find the best internet deal. Hotel internet rates here are outrageous. 68 cents a minute in your hotel room to use your own computer, in the Business Centre of the Hotel the rate is 20 minutes for $4.00. At McDonalds we buy an internet card for $3.00 for an hour. In their internet café they let you download pictures and burn CDs.
Loaded down with groceries we head back to our motel to settle in. Feeling a little "knoted up" after our drive we decide to relieve our driving stress by soaking in the outdoor hot tub. Big mistake - we have forgotten about the summer hazard of mosquitoes - they soon have Al running for cover!
While in Kerikeri we explore the local attractions, the Stone Store and the Kemp House, the two oldest European constructed buildings in NZ. It is a beautiful setting with lovely gardens overlooking a small waterfall. Just up the hill from the Stone Store is a very old Church so we hike up the hill and are rewarded with lovely views.
Kerikeri is an artisan community with lots of art galleries, small boutiques, woodcarving shops and a delightful relaxed ambience. Before leaving Kerikeri we explore Makawa Confections and watch them make delicious chocolates. After watching in the viewing window I am overcome with a need for chocolate and am soon to be found at the cashier with a basket of treats. Next to the chocolate factory is the Kauri Workshop specializing in wooden handicrafts. They have a display room full of gorgeous carved bowls, Maori carvings, lazy susans etc. Al's reaction is WOW.
Only being in the Bay a few short days we have decisions to make - what to see as there is much to choose from and we know we cannot do it all. It is a hard decision for me as I want to see it all but we decide to spend a day exploring Paihia and Russell and take a tour to Cape Reinga and the 90 Mile Beach on the following day. Decisions all made, it is time to enjoy more of the great NZ wine and beer.
Comments
Haha!
No mosquito nets around the bath I suppose. I would've never even thought of that!
Louise Brown
TravelPod Community Manager