I think Kerikeri is a beautiful little town with a lot of interesting history to offer. The oldest stone building in New Zealand is here. It is the Stone Store and it was built between 1833 and 1836. The attic costs a couple of dollars and tells its story.
Kemp House is even older, built in 1821, and so is New Zealand's oldest surviving building.
I also enjoyed the walk along the river, although coming back and seeing the youth hostel on the other side, I decided to cross the river. It wasn't deep, but very slippery. I was scared for my life. I slipped and slid all over the place, causing concern to a family picnicking nearby. Luckily I made it!