The Stone House

After visiting the farmer’s market last weekend, we made our way down to the oldest European area of New Zealand, which just happens to be in Kerikeri. The oldest wooden building (1823), the oldest stone building (1836) and an 18th century Maori Pa (fortified village) are all within sight of each other along the Kerikeri River.

View of the stone and mission house from the Pa

We’re not normally ones to rave about a store, especially a tourist store, but the Stone House has probably the coolest shop we’ve been in yet. All of the goods in the main room would have been sold in the 19th century and while this may seem so-so, the items actually look and feel as if they’re from the 19th century (no cheap replicas here).


The other half of the store is devoted to classic 1950s tourist items and modern New Zealand art. Hanging above the fireplace is one of the best pieces of pop art we’ve ever seen: a huge painting of a young Queen Elizabeth wearing a sparkling crown and adorned with the moko lip tattoo traditionally worn by Maori women.

There were also retro tea towels, games and postcards, awesome books (including a great cookbook devoted to 1940s and 50s New Zealand sweets which Louisa got as an early B-day present), stamps, jewelry and other nick-nacks…


After spending a sufficient amount at the shop we walked through the nearly 200 year-old English garden around back and took a brief hike to the Kororipo Pa which rests on a hill overlooked the river. We sat there and watched an old steamboat navigate the waters and took in the beautiful weather. With some good ice cream in our stomachs we finished the day and headed back to the farm for another week of learning and fun!