ItineraryPage.ss
Time
2 Days
Highlights
Discover the hidden gems of the Western Bay of Plenty: Katikati, Waihī Beach and Te Puna.
Proximity
Katikati is approximately 37 kilometres north of downtown Tauranga (35 minutes by car when the traffic is light, but it can get congested during peak times). Waihī Beach is a further 20-25 minutes from Katikati.
Morning: Explore the Katikati Bird Gardens
Spend an hour or so wandering the beautiful bird gardens on the outskirts of Katikati. Surrounded by mature trees, water-lily ponds, flower gardens, natural wetlands, and plenty of birds. The gardens are a wonderful day out for all the family.
Lunch at the Talisman Hotel Restaurant & Garden Bar
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, the Talisman is located in the heart of Katikati. The menu is designed to suit all tastes, but they're famous for the Tomahawk steak – it's a must-try! They use locally sourced ingredients including avocados from their own garden at the restaurant.
Talisman Hotel Restaurant & Garden Bar
7/9 Main Road, Katikati 3129
Phone: +64 7 549 3218
Highlights
Locally sourced ingredients.
Afternoon: Katikati Mural Town - Guided Tour
Katikati is famous for its amazing range of open-air murals dotted throughout the town. When the Mural Walk was designed in 1991, “The History of Settlement, on the walls, presented by Professional Artists” was the theme. Now more than 28 years later, there are over 76 world-famous murals and works of art to bring this story to you.
The best way to experience these is on a guided tour with a passionate and knowledgeable local.
To make a booking:
Phone: +64 7 5495250
Email: info@katchkatikati.org.nz
Highlights
Explore over 75 world-famous murals.
Check-in at Tasman Holiday Parks - Waihī Beach
Travel north to the seaside town of Waihī Beach and stay the night at Tasman Holiday Parks - Waihī Beach. This holiday park is popular with families, campers, and those who like a little more luxury while they're holidaying. Surrounded by native bush and beach, the holiday park has a huge range of accommodation options, a heated swimming pool, playground, and loads more amazing facilities.
Highlights
Beachfront holiday park, family-friendly accommodation.
Walk from Waihī Beach to Orokawa Bay
Orokawa Bay is a secluded beach lined with native pōhutukawa trees and a great place to spend a day. You can access the track from the northern end of Waihī Beach and it'll take about 45 minutes to reach the bay. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, or carry on along the track to Homunga Bay or William Wright Falls.
Highlights
Secluded beach, great views from the top of the track.
Lunch at Flatwhite Cafe, Waihī Beach
Flatwhite is one of the very few, truly beachfront restaurants in the Bay of Plenty and the views are just amazing! This café and restaurant is an iconic part of Waihī Beach and a definite must-do when you're in the area! You can dine at Flat White for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Visit Te Puna Quarry Park
Te Puna Quarry Park is a disused quarry that has been lovingly transformed into a picturesque park with gardens, walking tracks, sculptures and sweeping views across the Bay of Plenty. The park (which is dog friendly) is open every day and entry is free but koha (donations) to support the volunteer's hard work are appreciated.
Visit the Cider Factorie
While you're in Te Puna, call in for a tasting at the Cider Factorie, located on the waterfront looking out over Tauranga Moana. Grab a bite to eat and a tasting paddle and relax among the fruit trees, and you can buy bottles to take home if anything takes your fancy. The outlook is lovely and it's the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy some locally brewed cider.