Explore Katikati on foot with your four-legged friend! Check out some of the top dog-friendly walking tracks in this picturesque area of the Western Bay of Plenty.
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MACMILLAN RESERVE / BEACH ROAD LOOP WALK
The 2.4km walk overlooks the Tauranga harbour and enjoys stunning sea views towards Matakana Island. The walk starts on open grassed areas, progresses to a solid walkway and then ambles through bush and orchards until you reach Beach Road. A short walk along the road takes you back to the carpark.
Need to know:
- Dogs must be on a leash
- The track is flat, with some uneven ground
- Parking: end of Beach Road, MacMillan Reserve carpark
- Basic toilets
- Freedom camping
303 Beach Road, Katikati 3178
Highlights
The Beach Road loop walk is a favourite with locals for walking or cycling for its flat contour and changing scenery. And who doesn’t love a loop walk?
TUAPIRO POINT FORESHORE WALK
Start your walk from the carpark by the toilet block – or from the grass carpark for a longer walk – and stroll the stretch of white sandy beach to the Point. The sea views stretch out over the shallow tidal water to Anzac Bay in Bowentown and the bar between Matakana Island in the distance.
Carry on around the point where the water gets deeper – perfect for doggie swims. Take one of the trails back through the pines for a forest walk and glimpses of the sea.
The beach stretch of the walk runs parallel to the forest walk so you can cut your walk short at any time by taking a shorter loop.
Need to know:
- Dogs under control at all times (Note: horses exercise in the area)
- Flat walking track
- Toilets
- Freedom camping
367 Tuapiro Road, Tahawai 3170
Highlights
Tuapiro Point Foreshore Walk is another stunning walk offering a range of scenery and just a short drive from Katikati township.
BIRD WALK (YEOMAN WALKWAY)
The walk begins at the bottom of the township at the Uretara Stream with a number of photogenic bird sculptures representing the birdlife found in the adjacent river, saltmarsh and estuary.
The fine scoria pathway meanders alongside the Uretara Stream and there is plenty of birdlife in the wetlands on the other side of the walkway. The walkway joins up with the peninsular and continues on grass alongside the estuary with housing on the other side. The walk continues to the end of the Park Road Peninsular – to return, you can go back the same way you came or walk back along Park Road.
Need to know:
- Dogs under control at all times
- Flat walking track
- Carpark on Noble Johnstone Drive
- There are no public toilets in the area or on this walk
2 Beach Road, Katikati 3129
Highlights
Explore the wetlands and discover some of the birdlife that calls this areas home.
HAIKU PATHWAY
The Haiku Pathway is located behind the retail area in Katikati – right in the town centre.
Enjoy a brief walk around the Haiku Park alongside the Uretara Stream where there are boulders inscribed with Haiku poems. For a longer walk, cross the bridge to walk on the other side of the stream along the concrete footpath, also dotted with Haiku boulders. This walk carries on to meet the Main Road, where you can cross over and continue the walk around the Landing area and check out the sculpture of Humphrey the sea lion. Walk back the way you’ve come or head up the Main Street of Katikati and take in some of the murals the town is renowned for.
Need to know:
- Dogs must be on a leash
- Flat walking track (except for the steep path from the Main Road to the carpark)
- Car parking: Take the roadway between Robert Harris and Hammer Hardware to the Haiku Park
- The closest public toilets are on the other side of the Main Road, in Diggleman Park
60 Main Road, Katikati 3129
Highlights
Wander through the Haiku Park and discover all the Haiku poems carved into the boulders. A great family-friendly walk.