Kerikeri is a lovely town in the Bay of Islands surrounded by picturesque waterfalls and forest trails. The town offers accommodation, pubs, bakery’s, Woolworths and New World supermarkets as well as a Hunting and fishing store and Outdoors Shop where it may be possible to replace gas canisters and other hiking gear if necessary. I would recommend staying at Hone Heke Lodge (a budget friendly option fantastic for accomodating and hosting TA walkers) and using KeriKeri as a resupply point to grab everything you need for your walk to Paihia.
If you are feeling extra adventurous you might also like to check out smaller surrounding walking trails including the Wairoa River with the Wairere and Secret waterfalls, the Kerikeri River with the Rainbow and Wharapuke waterfalls, and Charlie's Rock waterfall. Additionally, there are historical tracks like the Stone Store Tracks and the Wairoa River walk, offering a mix of nature and heritage experiences.