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Introduction
The Meeting Pool: Under the protection of the Rangatira (Chief) Hongi Hika, the Church Mission Society established this enduring settlement.Even today, boats from the Bay of Islands can sail inland from as far as Kororipo and anchor in this attractive place. That is why for over 500 years it was an important landing and meeting place in the north.
The pā was a strategic site for northern Māori, culminating as the fortress and headquarters of famed and feared Māori chief Hongi Hika. Nobody passed Kororipo Pā without permission.
Tohu Whenua are the places that have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand. Located in stunning landscapes and rich with stories, they offer some of our best heritage experiences.
Image gallery
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Kemp House is the oldest building in New Zealand (built in 1822) Image: Russell Street | Creative Commons
![Kemp House; the oldest building in New Zealand.]( "Kemp House; the oldest building in New Zealand.")
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View of Kororipo Pā Image: Jeffrey Cornwall ©
![Kororipo Pā site.]( "Kororipo Pā site.")
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View of the Stone Store and Kemp House from Kororipo Pā Image: Andrew Blanshard | DOC
![Kororipo Pā view.]( "Kororipo Pā view.")
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Easy access and great stories are told at Kororipo Pā Image: Andrew Blanshard | DOC
![Kororipo Pā.]( "Kororipo Pā.")
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Stone Store (left) and Mission House (right). The Stone Store was built by the Church Missionary Society. Image: Russell Street | Creative Commons
![Stone Store and Mission House.]( "Stone Store and Mission House.")
Find things to do and places to stay Kororipo Heritage Park
Kororipo Heritage Park is located at the head of the Kerikeri inlet and stands above the Kerikeri basin. You can get there by car or by walking.
The walk from the centre of Kerikeri township takes about 20 mins – follow the Te Araroa Trail signs from Kerikeri Road. A footbridge crosses the river.
If you are travelling by car or campervan follow Kerikeri Road to the roundabout, then turn left onto the Heritage Bypass. Follow this across the flyover bridge then turn right at the roundabout onto Waipapa Road. Continue to the intersection and turn right onto Landing Road. Follow the road to the bottom of the hill, the carpark is on your right.
Further reading
- The Story of the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park. 1989. Department of Conservation.
- Archaeology Solutions Ltd., 2009. Archaeological geomagnetic report, Kororipo pa, Kerikeri.
- Best, S. 2003. Kerikeri basin national heritage area, archaeological survey. For the Department of Conservation Bay of Islands.
More information
From 1822 Māori and Europeans lived side by side to trade and learn from each other. It was the important status of this place that attracted European missionaries, and under agreement with Hongi Hika, they erected a stone store for trading and pit-sawn wooden house for the Kemp family. Kororipo became a meeting place where Māori and Europeans came to trade, talk and learn, and where missionaries tried to convert Māori to Christianity.
Today, these are New Zealand's oldest European buildings, and their stories are brought to life with guides. Explore Kororipo Pā, once the fortress and headquarters of the famed and feared Māori Chief Hongi Hika. He is an important figure in New Zealand history and was a skilled leader in war and trade.
Another option is to stroll along the treelined paths in Te Ahurea, a replica pre-European Māori fishing (kainga) village named after Ngāpuhi chief Rewa. See Te Ahurea website.
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| bayofislands@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |