KATIKATI

If you love murals, Katikati is where it's at! 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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What to do in Katikati

Scott Tours, Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Tours

Scott Tours specialises in small group tours from Tauranga for all visitors to this region including cruise ship passengers. Join us to explore the fantastic coastal regions of Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and the ancient geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. After your day of discovery, we will return you to your accommodation or your cruise ship at the Port of Tauranga well before your scheduled embarkation time.

Katikati Bird Gardens

Beautiful and tranquil gardens set on the edge of the Tauranga inner harbour. Water lily ponds, natural wetlands, mature trees and plantings the gardens are a delight all year round.

Art Matakana Gallery - Katikati

Exhibiting fine original paintings - oils, acrylic and mixed media paintings, plus garden sculpture, ceramics, and jewellery, from a wide diverse range of New Zealand Artists, from both the North and South Island’s.

Matahui Distillery: Guided Distillery Tour & Tasting

Distillery tour and guided tasting at Matahui Distillery: a small batch, craft distillery producing delicious spirits and liqueurs with an emphasis on fresh natural flavour.

Sapphire Springs Holiday Park & Mineral Pools

Great Value Accommodation is a family owned holiday park set in 32 hectares of beautiful native forest at the foot of the Kaimai Ranges. A haven in the bush bordered by a sparkling stream and complimented by warm mineral swimming pools and hot tubs.

Western Bay Museum, Katikati, Bay of Plenty

With high-quality interactive exhibitions we bring the history of Mana Whenua to life and the pioneering spirit of the local Ulster Irish and all other settlers who together built this rich and diverse cultural area.

Western Bay Museum

Katikati's Western Bay Museum brings to life the pioneering spirit of tangata whenua and settlers who built the Western Bay by telling their stories through fascinating collections, interactive experiences and beautifully curated exhibitions.

Katikati Mainstreet

Stroll down Katikati’s main street and enjoy looking at the colourful town murals and gorgeous flower baskets which hang outside local retail stores. A wide range of products and professional services are available.

Waitekohekohe Recreational Park

Waitekohekohe Recreational Park on Thompsons Track, 15 minutes south of Katikati, offers Mountain Bike Trails, Horse Trails, Walking Tracks and swimming holes.

Leveret Mills Reef Winery and Cellar Door

Step into heritage and flavour – our cellar door welcomes you daily, 9:30am–5:00pm (closed on public holidays), with curated wine tastings Fridays to Sundays, 10:00am–4:00pm. Come & share the beauty, history, and taste of our wines – we can’t wait.

Fairview Golf Course

Come and play at Fairview Golf Club to enjoy a friendly and relaxing golf experience in a beautiful country setting.

Matahui Distillery: Distil Your Own Gin Experience

Come along to Matahui Distillery and make your own gin to take away with you. Choose from our library of botanicals and use one of our individual stills to distil your very own bottle of unique gin to take home.

Avocado Tours New Zealand

Step into the wonderful world of avocados and experience an informative and enjoyable tour of our working avocado orchard. Tours last about 90 minutes, including time for tastings.

Where to stay in Katikati

Canopy Camping Escapes | Stoneybrook Grove

Set in a spacious, sunlit clearing with a picturesque brook winding through, this Bay of Plenty glamping destination is perfect for families or groups of friends seeking a peaceful retreat.

Villa Vie

Villa Vie is a luxurious French style farm house with extensive country style gardens, nestled at the base of the mighty Kaimais. Relax in comfort and style in our 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa with the addition of 2 sumptuous self contained cottages.

Matahui Lodge

Purpose built luxury accommodation for a maximum of 4 guests.Golf, fine cuisine, private gym, spa. Sheer indulgence. Views over the inner Tauranga harbour and the owner's vineyard.. A wine cellar provides opportunity to sample some of NZ best wines.

Villa93 Luxury Lodge

Welcome to Villa93 Luxury Lodge and the beautiful Bay of Plenty. We are a boutique Bed and Breakfast providing luxury accommodation, warm hospitality and superb food - made by your own private chef during your stay. Local produce is just one of the many attractions here in the Bay!

Sapphire Springs Holiday Park & Mineral Pools

Purple Hen Country Lodge

Purple Hen Country Lodge is set in a special location which we aim to preserve. Our tranquil 5 hectare property is nestled in the lower Kaimai Ranges just 5 minutes away from Katikati. Peace and tranquility surrounded by nature.

Katikati Naturist Park

A modern award winning naturist holiday park with campsites, hire caravans, kitchen cabins, self-contained chalets, and park motel. A wide range of recreation facilities which are free to guests. Quiet rural riverside location. Day visitors welcome.

Bird Gardens Cottage

An enchanted cottage in enchanting gardens. Contemporary well appointed and self contained - a cottage just for two. Watch the moon rise over Tauranga Harbour; breathe the night air in a garden at midnight.

Katikati Kiwifruit Cottage

Modern comfortable self contained 2 bedroom Cottage (sleeps 4) with hotel quality beds. This accommodation is located on our Organic Kiwifruit Orchard, a safe healthy environment. A perfect base to visit many BOP tourist attractions and more not far.

Aberfeldy Farmstay and Bed and Breakfast

Warm hospitality. Private and sunny. Extensive garden, views out to sea and the hills. We farm sheep and cattle. Dog lovers paradise. We try to have just one party at a time.Hearty breakfast. Rod and MaryAnne are avid travellers.

The Talisman Hotel, Restaurant & Garden Bar

The Talisman Restaurant, as well as our beautiful Garden Bar, provides lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

Off The Beaten Track - Shelley Bay Retreat

This gorgeous studio cabin, nestled in a rural setting with fantastic views of the harbour and beyond. Private and serene yet close to everything, this great spot for active relaxation and exploring.

Luxury Tuscan Oasis

Amazing authentic Tuscan Farmhouse, large rustic beams, imported Terracotta roof, copper detailing, huge open wood fireplace, barn doors throughout, wrought iron detailing. Truly tranquil location nestled in the hillside by the Kaimai Ranges.

ASURE Kaimai View Motel

Kaimai view motel in Katikati, the Bay Of Plenty. A modern executive motel offering high quality accommodation just 30 minutes from Tauranga.

Places to eat & drink in Katikati

Find out about the best places to eat and drink in Katikati.

The Talisman Hotel, Restaurant & Garden Bar

The Talisman Restaurant, as well as our beautiful Garden Bar, provides lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

Chrome Cafe

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a group gathering with friends this is the perfect cafe

Katikati Plant and Produce Market

Common Ground Cafe

Tucked behind the local library in Katikati, our café offers a cozy retreat we’re serving up fresh coffee, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere for the whole community.

Stories & tales of Katikati

Meet the locals and discover the stories of Katikati.

Scenic Walks in Katikati (where your dog is welcome)

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.

Leveret Estate

If you want to try some of New Zealand’s top wines, a trip to Leveret & Mills Reef Winery in the Bay of Plenty is a must. The winery has been making wines for over 40 years and, according to Winemaker Paul Dawick, is known for their round, plush and full-bodied flavours.

Fresh, Local Eats

The Bay of Plenty’s warm, sunny micro-climate creates perfect growing conditions for fresh local produce, and our open seas teem with kai moana – our Bay sure knows how to do delicious! To help fuel you with everything fresh and scrumptious the Bay has to offer, we’ve got the list of where to get your fix of top-quality local produce – from farmers markets to online subscriptions.

Top 10 Things to Do in the Bay

The Bay of Plenty has long been a favourite holiday destination for Kiwi families, and with stunning stretches of coastline and some of the best beaches in New Zealand, it’s easy to see why. But there’s more to the Bay of Plenty than just our amazing beaches. Read on to find out about some of the other amazing activities in the Bay. It’s sure to make you smile!

Katikati: Harbourside Macadamias

Bay of Plenty is renowned for its fertile soils and horticultural prowess, but few orchards are as special as that belonging to Wyn and Chris Daniell in Katikati.

Haiku Pathway Katikati

The Haiku Pathway in Katikati is a one-of-a-kind in New Zealand and unique outside of Japan. It features over 40 haiku poems, the vast majority engraved on to river boulders, alongside a pathway that meanders either side of Uretara Stream and forms a peaceful park in the heart of a bustling country town. The poems have been specially chosen to reflect their location and feature work by poets from New Zealand and overseas to form what is the largest collection of haiku “stones” in English and the only “haiku walk” outside Japan. The pathway, which was a…