WELCOME TO KATIKATI
If you love murals, Katikati is where it's at! Known as ‘New Zealand’s Mural Town’, Katikati is located between Waihī Beach and Tauranga and is the perfect place to stop as you arrive into the Coastal Bay of Plenty. Here you will find at least 60 pieces of art depicting the history of this bustling rural town. Dozens of colourful murals are painted on walls and commercial buildings, while impressive sculptures, carvings, mosaics and tapestries are also on display right across town.
Stroll down the acclaimed Haiku Pathway that weaves alongside the Uretara Stream in the heart of Katikati. This pathway is the only one of its kind outside of Japan and features over 40 haiku poems which are carved onto river boulders. Each short poem has been chosen to reflect its location and provides a novel way to reflect on your peaceful surroundings.
This pathway also links up with the popular Yeoman Walkway. Explore the Uretara estuary and wetlands just on the outskirts of town. This special spot is home to lots of native birds and several more interesting sculptures.
The Katikati Trails Development Group are working with Western Bay of Plenty District Council to develop more walk and cycleways for the public to use. At the moment the focus in on the urban trails. There are about 20-kilometres of off- and on-road tracks around Katikati showcasing beautiful harbour views, the Haiku Pathway, Birdwalk sculptures and life in Katikati.
What a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours taking in the views and artworks.
Katikati is a 30-minute drive north of Tauranga and is surrounded by orchards and rolling green farmland. Lots of kiwifruit and avocados grow here. Keep an eye out for roadside fruit stalls or drive the Katikati Cuisine Trail where you can meet local artisan food producers and sample their amazing products right on the spot – mouth-watering smoked seafood, salami, cheeses, breads, chutneys, jams, nuts, liqueurs, olive oil and more.
If you’re a keen gardener, don’t miss the tranquil Katikati Bird Gardens. Admire camellias, magnolias, azaleas, lilies and more as you walk around this sprawling property and see many species of native birds wandering free or living in aviaries.
Enjoy a round of golf at the Fairview Golf & Country Club or take in one of Katikati’s outdoor twilight music concerts held on summer evenings. The Western Bay Museum is located in the town’s old fire station building and houses local exhibitions and provides insights into Katikati’s early years.
There is plenty to do in this peaceful country town so come and experience its charms for yourself.
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