Discovering the charms of Kerikeri with Barrier Air

The Far North region of New Zealand, and specifically its largest town, Kerikeri, holds a special place in my heart. As a girl from Oxford, I can’t quite explain why, but every visit fills me with a deep sense of contentment. From stunning scenery to warm locals and a relaxed vibe, Kerikeri offers something I struggle to find in the hustle of city life.

Until recently, accessing Kerikeri was becoming increasingly challenging, with reduced regional flights from our national carrier. While I enjoy a good road trip, flying makes short visits much easier. Enter Barrier Air: a game-changer for travel to Northland.

Competing with the national carrier, Barrier Air offers an Auckland-to-Kerikeri route using Cessna Caravan aircraft. These planes, known for their reliability, provide a uniquely enjoyable travel experience. Seating only eight passengers, the process from check-in to take-off is refreshingly prompt. Plus, larger windows and lower cruising altitude compared with larger aircraft makes them perfect for sightseeing.

The flight itself is an epic part of the journey. With stunning vistas on offer from the Manukau Heads to the Waitākere Ranges, Kaipara and Hokianga and Lake Ōmāpere coming into view before landing comfortably in Kerikeri, there is no shortage of stunning views.

For this trip, I was fortunate to stay at the renowned Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, a resort that epitomises luxury and amplifies the beauty of Northland to its regular international guests. Nestled amid cliffs and 6000 acres of rolling farmland, it’s not just a place to stay but an experience. The property features a par-72 championship golf course designed by David Harman, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett, and the Cavalli Islands.

Beyond the golf course lies the resort itself, seamlessly integrated into its surroundings. My time there included a visit to the estate’s 900-year-old kauri tree. Its majesty left me speechless, surrounded by pristine native bush and serenaded by the songs of tūī and pīwakawaka. This kauri, in my opinion, rivals even the famed Tāne Mahuta in Hokianga. Looking up at its towering canopy with light streaming through the leaves was a humbling experience.

A short excursion from the resort took me to one of its beaches. While Pink Beach is famous for its rosy sand, I chose Waiaua Beach. Its sheltered bay and shallow waters make it ideal for a swim or simply sinking your toes into the sand.

Back at the resort and all the amenities you may expect from an internationally acclaimed resort are here. A world-class spa and wellness centre, infinity pool overlooking those gorgeous clifftop views, a library, pro shop and naturally, the manicured grounds and Golf course.

Watching the sun descend with a drink and the company of two delightful American Tourists on an Oceanic Golf holiday of a lifetime, we were equally awestruck by the beauty of the surrounds.

I avoided Golf chat, but was all too happy to talk with Lee and Steve about life, health, celebrity memorabilia (Lee was a curator and cataloguer of some of the entertainment industry’s most prized treasures) and whether Liam Lawson deserved a seat in F1 more than Daniel Ricciardo.

An enthralling conversation ensued, interrupted only by an outstanding dinner and even more outstanding wine.

Before heading back to the airport, I made a quick stop at the Kerikeri Packhouse Markets and I couldn’t resist picking up some butterscotch chocolate crunch from Makana Chocolates - an absolute must for any visit to Kerikeri.

My return flight with Barrier Air was as seamless and enjoyable as the journey there, rounding off an all too brief, but immensely enjoyable trip that reminded me of just how special Kerikeri is and now even more easily accessible from Auckland.

Flights from Auckland to Kerikeri start at $69 with 22 flights per week.
For more information: www.barrierair.kiwi