Kerikeri Stone Store
The Kerikeri Stone Store, built in 1832, is New Zealand's oldest surviving stone building. Located in the Bay of Islands, this iconic structure was originally constructed by missionaries as part of the mission station at Kerikeri. Its purpose was to store mission and trading supplies.
The building’s design, influenced by Georgian architecture, features thick stone walls made of local volcanic rock and sandstone, reflecting European building methods of the time. The Stone Store is part of a larger historic precinct that includes Kemp House, New Zealand’s oldest wooden building.
Visitors can explore the store's interior, where period-appropriate goods are displayed, and learn about early European settlement, the relationship with local Māori, and the region's trading history.
The Kerikeri River and surrounding gardens add to the picturesque experience, making it a must-visit for those interested in New Zealand's colonial past.