Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands!

Stone Store

Why Visit?

Discover the Historic Charm of Kerikeri: A Wheelchair-Friendly Guide to the Stone Store

Embark on an enchanting journey through time with a visit to New Zealand"s oldest stone building, the Stone Store, located in the picturesque town of Kerikeri. This fully accessible tour is tailored for wheelchair and mobile scooter users, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Getting There

Kerikeri is easily accessible from Auckland via a 3-hour scenic drive north on State Highway 1. For those preferring public transport, accessible buses run daily from major cities. Upon arrival in Kerikeri, follow the signs to the Stone Store, located near the serene Kerikeri Basin. Accessible parking is available directly in front of the building.

Explore the Stone Store

Begin your tour at the iconic Stone Store, constructed in 1832-36. Wheelchair users will find smooth access through the main entrance, where a ramp leads into the historical shop stocked with period goods reminiscent of the 19th century. Your visit isn"t just a step back in time; it"s an insightful glimpse into the colonial days of New Zealand.

Interesting Facts

Learn about the store’s original role as a mission’s trading post and storage facility. The building has also served various purposes over the years, from a library to a boys’ school, adding layers to its rich history.

Visit Kemp House

Adjacent to the Stone Store is Kemp House (1821-22), New Zealand’s oldest European building. It is surrounded by accessible pathways that offer views of the house and gardens. Note, entry to the house itself may be restricted depending on mobility needs.

Relax by the Basin

Conclude your visit by enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the Kerikeri Basin. Accessible paths allow you to navigate the area easily, offering picturesque views and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Facilities

Accessible restrooms are available at the Stone Store, ensuring a comfortable visit.

Experience Kerikeri’s historical treasures with ease and delight in a tour that caters to all mobility needs!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Cape Reinga

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey to Cape Reinga, a remote yet strikingly beautiful tip of New Zealand"s North Island, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. This wheelchair-friendly tour is designed to ensure accessibility while offering an enriching experience through one of New Zealand"s most scenic landscapes.

### Start: Accessible Transport

Begin your adventure from Kaitaia, which is around 1.5 hours" drive from Cape Reinga. Accessible vans equipped with lifts can be rented or you can join a specialized tour with companies offering wheelchair-accessible coaches.

### Cape Reinga Lighthouse

The highlight of your tour is the Cape Reinga Lighthouse. Access to the lighthouse is via a paved pathway suitable for wheelchairs and scooters. As you approach, the panoramic views of the meeting point of the seas – a spectacle believed by Maori to be the leaping-off point for spirits entering the afterlife – are breathtaking.

### Te Paki Sand Dunes

Next, head to the Te Paki Sand Dunes, just a short drive south of Cape Reinga. While the sand dunes themselves are a challenge for standard wheelchairs, the nearby visitor center offers views and exhibits, providing a glimpse into the dune environment and its formation.

### Tapotupotu Bay

For a relaxing beach experience, visit Tapotupotu Bay, which features an accessible boardwalk and picnic areas, perfect for enjoying the coastal beauty and perhaps a picnic lunch. Accessible toilets are available here.

### Journey Back

On your return, stop at the Ancient Kauri Kingdom in Awanui, where accessible paths lead you through stunning woodwork displays crafted from swamp kauri wood – some over 45,000 years old!

### Practicalities:

- Best Time to Visit: Summer months (December to February) provide the best weather.

- Facilities: Fully accessible toilets and picnic areas are available at main attractions.

- Tip: Always check the weather and have a backup plan as remote areas can change rapidly.

This wheelchair-friendly itinerary ensures that everyone can enjoy the natural and cultural majesty of Cape Reinga, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Whangarei Falls

Why Visit?

Experience the enchanting beauty of Whangarei Falls on this accessible and thoroughly enjoyable day tour. Known as the "jewel of Whangarei," this 26-meter high waterfall is a spectacular sight and a must-visit for nature lovers.

Start your adventure by heading to Whangarei Falls, located just a 10-minute drive from Whangarei city center. If you"re taking public transport, the CityLink bus service offers a convenient, wheelchair-friendly option that will drop you close to the falls. Once there, parking spaces including designated disabled spots are available near the entrance.

Begin at the viewing platform at the top of the falls, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the waterfall cascading into the natural pool below. This platform is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can take in the majestic sight. The surrounding area is a scenic reserve, featuring lush greenery and native plants that provide a serene backdrop perfect for relaxation and photography.

For a closer look, follow the wheelchair-accessible loop walk that leads around the falls. The path is well-maintained and provides various viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of the falls and the surrounding forest. Along the way, take a moment to enjoy the picnic areas, which are perfect for a leisurely lunch amidst nature.

Whangarei Falls isn"t just a natural wonder; it"s also a significant cultural site for the local Maori community, believed to be a place where spirits gather. This adds a rich historical layer to your visit.

Conclude your tour by visiting the AH Reed Memorial Park, about a 15-minute drive away. The park features an accessible canopy walkway that allows you to explore New Zealand"s native kauri forest from above.

Whangarei Falls offers not just accessibility but a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of New Zealand’s natural landscape. Enjoy your visit to this captivating site where accessibility is prioritized, ensuring a delightful experience for all.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Waitangi

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Waitaingi

Embark on an enriching journey through New Zealand"s heart of history with a wheelchair-friendly tour of Waitangi, a site pivotal to the nation"s heritage. Experience the ease of accessibility combined with the depth of culture in this beautifully curated itinerary.

Getting There

Waitangi is easily accessible from Paihia, the nearest town, with options for adapted transport services. Booking a wheelchair-accessible taxi or shuttle from your accommodation in Paihia will ensure a smooth 5-minute ride to Waitangi.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Start your day at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand. Open from 9 am, the site offers comprehensive accessibility, including ramps and paved paths that allow for smooth navigation. Begin at the Visitor Centre where you can hire a mobility scooter to effortlessly traverse the expansive grounds.

Engage with the history displayed at the museum with its interactive exhibits and accessible viewing platforms. Don"t miss the Treaty House, the home of James Busby, where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840. The house is fully accessible, providing a glimpse into New Zealand’s colonial past.

Guided Tours & Cultural Performances

Join a guided tour, available throughout the day, tailored for mobility needs. Tours are informative and conducted at a leisurely pace, ensuring everyone enjoys this enriching experience without rush. Be sure to catch a Maori cultural performance in Te Whare Rūnanga, a carved meeting house that is also wheelchair accessible.

Exploring the Grounds

Roll through the well-maintained gardens and enjoy the panoramic views of the Bay of Islands from accessible lookout points. There are ample resting spots, making it enjoyable and comfortable.

Finish your visit at the onsite café, which boasts accessible dining areas and breathtaking views, perfect for reflecting on a day steeped in history and culture.

Useful Tip

Ensure to check the weather and equip your mobility device with suitable covers and umbility aids, as the coastal weather can be unpredictable.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Kerikeri

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Day Tour in Kerikeri

Morning: Historic Beginnings

Start your day at the Kerikeri Mission Station, the oldest European building in New Zealand. The site is fully accessible, with smooth paths leading to both the Stone Store and Kemp House. Wander through the gardens and enjoy the riverside views. Accessible parking is available directly at the site, and ramps ensure easy access to all main areas. Don’t miss the live demonstrations and storytelling that bring the early missionary life to life.

Midday: Refresh and Recharge

Head to Café Cinema, just a five-minute roll/walk from the Mission Station. This quaint café offers not only a delicious menu but also easy access for wheelchairs and scooters, with spacious seating areas both inside and out. Enjoy a light lunch or indulge in their famous home-baked pastries.

Afternoon: Art and Nature in Harmony

After lunch, make your way to the Wharepuke Subtropical Gardens, famous for being New Zealand"s only subtropical garden art gallery. The pathways here are mostly flat and graveled, suitable for wheelchairs and scooters. Revel in the lush greenery intertwined with fascinating sculptures and artworks. There"s also an accessible toilet available for convenience.

Late Afternoon: A Leisurely Stroll by the River

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Kerikeri River track. The trail features a well-maintained boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs and scooters, offering serene views of the river and native bush. The path leads to the stunning Rainbow Falls, where the viewpoint is also wheelchair accessible, providing a perfect spot for a memorable photo.

Getting Around

Kerikeri is compact and most sights are within easy reach by wheelchair or scooter. For longer distances, accessible taxi services are available to ensure a comfortable move from one point to another.

Enjoy Kerikeri’s charming blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, all accessible and welcoming to everyone.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.