The Stone Store

Imagine the oldest surviving stone building in a country like New Zealand. This is the famous Stone Store, majestically overlooking the town of Kerikeri. Built between 1832 and 1836, this two-story building in a strict Georgian style is a unique monument of early colonial architecture.

The Stone Store. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The building was constructed from local basalt and sandstone brought from Sydney, and originally served as a warehouse for the Church Missionary Society. Today, the site holds Category 1 status with Heritage New Zealand, confirming its exceptional historical significance.

Now, the interior houses a museum that invites tourists to step back in time and learn how the early settlers lived and traded. Located on the grounds of a picturesque mission station, the Stone Store is rightfully considered one of the most recognizable landmarks in the region.

For more information about your visit or to organize group tours, you can use the following contact details:

Inside the Stone Store, a fascinating journey through time awaits you. You can explore the museum exhibits in detail, featuring authentic artifacts from the era of the first European settlers. Interactive displays will help you imagine how the 19th-century trading post functioned and learn about the missionaries' daily lives.

Don't miss the gift shop, styled as a colonial store. Here, you can purchase not only books and unique items by local artisans but also traditional goods: natural honey and high-quality chocolate. For those who want to learn more, guided tours are held every hour and are included in the admission price.

After exploring the building, enjoy a stroll through the well-kept gardens with plants traditional to that era, or take the path to the Kerikeri Basin. Nearby is Kemp House — the country's oldest wooden building, which harmoniously completes the historical ensemble. For visitors' convenience, there are cafes and a parking area nearby.

Getting to this historical gem is easy. The Stone Store is located at 246 Kerikeri Road, just a 5–10 minute drive from the town center. If you are staying at one of the local hotels, a walk to the site may take about 10 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the town's peaceful atmosphere.

For those traveling from Auckland, the drive takes approximately 3 hours along a scenic highway. Regular buses also run between cities to the Bay of Islands region. For drivers, there is free parking near the site, making the visit very convenient.

The history of this place began back in 1819 when Reverend Samuel Marsden founded the mission station in Kerikeri. The store building itself was designed by missionary John Hobbs. Construction took place from 1832 to 1836 under the close supervision of James Kemp, involving skilled craftsmen — both missionaries and local Māori.

Interestingly, the building was originally adorned with a clock tower and bell, which were later removed. In those years, the store played a vital role: it served not only as a warehouse for wheat and various goods but was also a hub for barter trade with the indigenous population, effectively regulating the region's economic life.

The use of basalt and sandstone brought from Sydney made the building incredibly durable. This allowed the Stone Store to survive for decades and maintain its original appearance, standing as a silent witness to the country's early colonial history.

To leisurely explore the main exhibition of the Stone Store, see the historical artifacts, and walk through the surrounding garden, 1–2 hours is usually enough. This time includes taking part in one of the regular guided tours, which help deepen your understanding of the site's significance.

If you plan to visit the entire mission station complex, including the neighboring Kemp House and the scenic trails along the Kerikeri Basin, we recommend allowing about 2–3 hours. Such an immersion will allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of 19th-century New Zealand.

The Stone Store is open to visitors daily. You can plan your visit for any day of the week, as the operating hours remain consistent from Monday to Sunday: from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

If you wish to join an educational tour with a professional guide, aim for the time between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. We recommend checking the exact tour start times on-site on the day of your visit.

Kerikeri is rich in historical and cultural sites, so visiting the store is just the beginning of your immersion into the region's past. A walk around the area will allow you to see the country's oldest buildings and enjoy the natural beauty of the Kerikeri Basin.