Kerikeri Farm Hostel

Just outside of Kerikeri is the Kerikeri Farm Hostel. This luscious part of the North Island is where the first Europeans settled and conflicts with the Maori led to the Treaty of Waitangi. Kerikeri boasts the first stone building in New Zealand, and the store is still standing. Today, Kerikeri is known for its shops, the crafts, and places to eat. You'll definitely need a car.

This citrus farm grows organic fruit and a large bowl of the fruit is always available. The hostel is a large home, warm with wood panelling and kept spotlessly clean. You leave your shoes at the door and once you see the shining timber floors, you understand why. Even though the hostel is somewhat isolated from the major attractions, it is lively and full of young, active tourists. The owners are extremely friendly and offer excellent advice. They have a large number of books to share as well as puzzles and games. You will not find a television or movies at the farm hostel, but we did not miss them at all.

The one shower caused a bit of a backup in the morning. We learned to get up a bit earlier (or sleep a bit later). The beds are comfortable -- the clean sheets were put on the bed after we arrived, as if to demonstrate they are clean. We enjoyed staying at the Farm Hostel for several nights and making excursions to the northern tip of New Zealand, to Waitangi or to the giant kauri trees during the days. You will not find a place to stay that makes you feel more welcome.

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