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A faithful replica of a kainga (fishing village) which existed when Europeans arrived in New Zealand. It has all the features of a true kainga, including a marae, chief's whare (house), kauta (cooking shelter), tall whata (bench where food was placed), weapons store, pataka (raised food store), enclosure for the tohunga (a wise person who advised the community on just about everything), rahui (a post marking tapu or out of bounds limits), whare made of bark, waka tiwai (fishing canoe), bird snare, hangi pit (ground oven), genuine historic canoes, family enclosure, rua (storage area ) for kumara (sweet potato) and a paepae haumati (the basic toilet system which was flushed twice daily by the tide).
The Stone Store is a former storehouse and the oldest stone building in New Zealand: construction began in 1832. The building has been restored to its original state and is one of the most photographed buildings in the country. The wooden Mission House (Kemp House)historicplaces.org.nz/placestovisit/northland/kerikerimissionstation.aspx is the oldest building in New Zealand. It was built in 1821-22 for the Rev John Butler, New Zealand's first clergyman. It was first called the Mission House, and then Kemp House for more than 100 years, but has now reverted to its original name. Entry to the Mission House is by guided tour only – start at the Stone Store.
A picturesque wooden church on the hill just above the Stone Store, began life in 1829 as a 38 ft by 18 ft (11.6 m x 5.5 m) lath and plaster structure complete with a town clock.