Image:
Stone Store.
Kororipo Pā Historic Walk

Located in Kerikeri area and Kororipo Heritage Park in the Northland region

Walk in the footsteps of chief Hongi Hika and early missionaries to Kororipo Pā – this short, easy walk is suitable for children.
  • Discover the route that has connected the historic Stone Store and Kororipo Pā for two centuries.

  • Enjoy amazing views of Kerikeri River, Kororipo Basin, the historic Stone Store and the bush clad site of Rewa’s Village.

  • Learn about the famous Nga Puhi chief Hongi Hika and the history of Kororipo Pā.

  • Find out about the meeting place where Māori and Europeans came to trade, talk and learn and where missionaries tried to convert Māori to Christianity. 

Walk through the Waharoa (carved red entrance way) up a gentle grass slope featuring gum trees and regenerating native forest. Wayfinding markers will guide you to Kororipo Pā (fortified Maori settlement) where there is a viewing platform with amazing views.

The return walk is 5-minute stroll down a gentle slope. Keep right to join the historic route to the Stone Store. The track winds through regenerating native forest, crosses a small bridge and finishes on Kerikeri Road opposite the historic Stone Store.

The walk is 4 km from Kerikeri. Follow Kerikeri Road, turn left into Heritage Bypass, right into Waipapa Road, then right into Landing Road. Kororipo Heritage Park is at the end of the road, next to to the Kerikeri River.

Park in the northern carpark off Landing Road. Start with a leisurely stroll across the pedestrian river bridge and turn right up the service lane onto Kerikeri Road. For disabled access, drive to 246 Kerikeri Road in front of the Stone Store. There are two parks available for people with wheelchairs.

Once on Kerikeri Road, walk to St James Church’s lower carpark (209 Kerikeri Road). Look for the red Waharoa (carved entrance way) at the northern end – these mark the start of the track.

Kororipo Heritage Park has toilets, a café, restaurant, picnic tables and a BBQ area.

Combine your walk with a visit to the Stone Store – New Zealand’s oldest stone building, a guided tour of the former mission house. Or visit Te Ahurea, a replica pre-European Māori fishing (kainga) village named after Ngāpuhi chief Rewa. See Te Ahurea website.