What’s On in Kerikeri This Spring
Spring is a wonderful time to be in Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands. The days are getting longer, gardens are bursting into life and there’s plenty happening throughout the area.
From gardens and art to markets, food and local events, it’s a lovely time to explore Kerikeri and enjoy a little more of what the region has to offer.
New Light at Little Black Gallery
Opening: 4pm Thursday 22 October
Duration: Friday 23 October – 28 November 2026
New Light is a group exhibition celebrating the energy, colour and sense of renewal that comes with a change of season.
Through painting, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media, the artists explore light and landscape, colour, form, growth, movement and new beginnings.
The exhibition opens at 4.00pm on Thursday 22 October, with an opportunity to meet some of the exhibiting artists, enjoy a glass of wine and be among the first to see the new work. We’d love you to attend.
Find out more about New Light →
Creative Discoveries Initiative
Labour Weekend 2026
If you enjoy discovering local art, Labour Weekend brings another reason to explore Kerikeri and the wider Northland creative community.
Creative Discoveries is an initiative from Creative Northland, supported by the Bay of Islands Creative Charitable Trust. A special leaflet highlights participating artists and art spaces that will be open to visitors over Labour Weekend, making it easy to discover some of the region’s painters, sculptors, ceramicists, jewellers and other creatives.
There is no prescribed route and no art trail. Simply use the leaflet to choose the artists and spaces that interest you and plan your own day of creative discoveries.
Little Black Gallery will also be participating, with our New Light exhibition opening immediately before Labour Weekend.
Kerikeri Rotary Garden Safari
Saturday 31 October & Sunday 1 November 2026
One of Kerikeri’s much-loved spring events, the annual Garden Safari offers the opportunity to explore a selection of local gardens that are normally hidden from view.
It’s an especially good time of year to see Northland gardens, with spring growth, flowering trees and early summer colour all beginning to appear.
Kerikeri Half Marathon
Saturday 21 November 2026
One of Northland’s best-known running events, the Kerikeri Half Marathon brings runners and walkers from around the country to the Bay of Islands each November.
The 21.1km course starts at Ōkaihau and travels through the countryside before finishing in central Kerikeri, with a 5km event also available for those looking for something shorter.
Kerikeri Packhouse Market
Saturday mornings are a good time to experience a more local side of Kerikeri.
The Packhouse Market brings together growers, food producers, makers and artisans from around Northland, with fresh produce, artisan food, plants, crafts and plenty to browse.
Explore Kerikeri in Spring
There’s plenty to enjoy beyond the events themselves. Visit the historic Kerikeri Basin and Stone Store, discover local galleries and studios, explore nearby vineyards, walk among native forest or simply enjoy the gardens and countryside at their spring best.
And with the Bay of Islands, Russell and the wider Far North within easy reach, Kerikeri makes an excellent base for exploring further afield.
Planning a spring visit?
If you’re travelling to Kerikeri for an exhibition, garden event or simply a few days away, Treghan makes a peaceful base from which to enjoy it all. Allow yourself enough time to explore Kerikeri and venture a little further through the Bay of Islands and Far North without having to rush.
Contact Details
Email: [email protected] Tel: 64 9 407 1311
Frequently Asked Questions
When is spring in Kerikeri?
Spring in New Zealand runs from September through November. In Kerikeri, the days become noticeably longer and warmer through the season, with gardens coming into bloom and plenty happening locally.
What is there to do in Kerikeri in spring?
Spring is a particularly good time for gardens, walking, markets, galleries, vineyards and exploring the historic Kerikeri Basin. Major spring events in 2026 include the Kerikeri Garden Safari and Kerikeri Half Marathon, while New Light runs at Little Black Gallery from late October through November. There is also an initiative with a Creative Discoveries brochure which outlines which artists will be open over Labour Weekend.
When is the Kerikeri Garden Safari 2026?
The Kerikeri Garden Safari takes place on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026. The annual event opens a selection of private gardens to visitors over the weekend.
When is the Kerikeri Half Marathon 2026?
The Kerikeri Half Marathon is on Saturday 21 November 2026. The main 21.1km event finishes in Kerikeri, with a shorter 5km event also available.
Is spring a good time to visit the Bay of Islands?
Yes. Spring offers longer days and generally fewer visitors than the peak summer holiday period, making it a good time to explore Kerikeri, Russell, Waitangi and the wider Bay of Islands.
How long should I stay in Kerikeri?
Allow at least three or four nights if you want time to explore beyond Kerikeri itself. With a longer stay, you can comfortably include Russell and the Bay of Islands as well as day trips north or west to places such as Mangōnui and the Hokianga.
Where should I stay in Kerikeri?
Treghan Lodge offers private, self-contained guesthouse accommodation set within two acres of gardens, just minutes from central Kerikeri. It makes a peaceful base for spring events and for exploring the Bay of Islands and wider Far North.