About Katikati

Katikati, with a population 5,010 at the 2018 New Zealand census, is situated 30 minutes drive north of central Tauranga, which boasts New Zealand’s largest shipping port; and only two hours from Auckland and Hamilton.

With some of the best scenery New Zealand has on offer combined with a temperate coastal climate, many people from around the country and the world are considering Katikati an ideal place to live, work and play.

Katikati’s commercial and industrial sector hosts some of New Zealand’s leading manufacturers as well as a number of small, unique businesses.

Katikati has always been known as NZ Mural Town and now the town has claimed Avocado Capital of New Zealand.

Whether it's the tastes of the area's renowned horticultural products or spending time strolling the many unique walking tracks, the Katikati area offers something for everyone.

Katikati is known as ‘New Zealand’s Mural Town’ - here you will find at least 76 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. The murals started in the 1990s as a project to regenerate tourist interest in the town and district, indeed the effort was recognised with the bestowal of New Zealand's 'Most Beautiful Small Town' award for towns of less than 8,000 population in 2005 by the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Society.

Stroll down the acclaimed Haiku Pathway which weaves alongside the Uretara Stream in the heart of Katikati. This pathway is the only one of its kind outside 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 Bird Walk. Explore the Uretara estuary and wetlands just on the outskirts of town – home to lots of native birds and several more interesting sculptures.

There are many cycleways and walkways around the Katikati peninsula, offering stunning views of Tauranga harbour and a great opportunity for you to stretch your legs.

Nestled into the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges there are stunning walks through the native and regenerating bush; thirty minutes to a giant Kauri or overnight to local huts, it’s all on our doorstep.

 Katikati is also known as the Avocado Capital of New Zealand.  In 2019 over two thirds of the countries avocado production comes from our region.  Avocados grow exceptionally well in Katikati due to the volcanic soils and subtropical climate.  In 1968 local man Arthur Honeyfield planted our first avocado trees and we have never looked back since.

Keep an eye out for roadside fruit stalls as you travel through and “Avo good day!”

We love Katikati – and we’re sure you will too!