Kerikeri

Kerikeri. So good they named it twice and then gave it sunshine, avocados and a waterfall. 
Kerikeri might sound like it's repeating itself, but that's just efficiency. Located in Northland's subtropical sweet spot, this Bay of Islands favourite serves up heritage sites, fruit stalls and enough sunshine to make you question your life choices in winter. 

Start with a wander around the historic Stone Store and Kemp House, New Zealand's oldest buildings, still standing strong and looking sharp. From there, stroll to Rainbow Falls, where the water's loud, the mist's refreshing and the photo ops are almost too easy. Time your visit for a Sunday and hit the Kerikeri Farmers' Market. If you leave without something fresh, handmade or dipped in chocolate, you didn't walk it properly. 

There's plenty more where that came from. Mahoe Cheese and Makana Chocolate are local icons, and the flagship Living Nature store is perfect for anyone whose skin has been personally victimised by New Zealand sun. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for the ugli fruit. It's weirdly wonderful - part grapefruit, part tangelo, all charm. Just... don't judge it by it's cover. 

Whether you're en route to Paihia, back from Russell or just here for the vibe, Kerikeri quietly steals the spotlight. It's chill, it's charming and it knows exactly what it's doing.