6 THINGS TO DO IN KATIKATI
Whether you’re staying with friends and family in Katikati, staying nearby or passing through, there’s lots to experience in Katikati from art, to history to gardens and walkways.
VISIT WESTERN BAY MUSEUM
Katikati’s museum – the only museum in the Bay of Plenty – aspires to be Aotearoa's best small museum. You’ll find the museum on the Main Road in the instantly recognisable historic Old Fire Station – painted red!
Inside you will discover high-quality interactive exhibitions and fun tour-experiences, the pioneering spirit of the local Māori, Ulster Irish and all other settlers who together built this area is brought to life.
Welcoming and knowledgeable volunteer guides recount the tales of storm-ridden ocean voyages, adventurers and entrepreneurs and the determination and struggles that formed the foundations of the Western Bay of Plenty.
Kids of all ages love discovering the unique collection of technology from the 1900s. There is plenty of opportunities to get 'hands-on' and there's even a working telephone exchange and a morse code machine you can try for yourself.
Come and discover one of Aotearoa’s hidden-gems.
Visit: www.westernbaymuseum.nz
ENJOY A TASTE OF LEVERETT ESTATE
The Leveret Estate cellar door is housed in a striking Cape Dutch building dating back to 1978. Located about 10 minutes south of Katikati Leveret Estate is a producer of premium méthode traditionelle, red, white and rosé wines. New Zealand's finest, privately and independently owned estate where winemaking is seen as an art and the team is committed to their craft.
Pop into their Cellar Door for a taste, their friendly team are there to guide and help you.
Open daily from 9.30am-5pm for memorable tasting experience.
Visit: www.wineportfolio.co.nz
Join an Avocado Orchard Tour
Step into the wonderful world of avocados with Katikati Avocado Tours and experience an informative and enjoyable tour of a working avocado orchard in Katikati.
Learn interesting facts about the fascinating avocado, including the journey from tree to your toast.
Experienced guide, Tim, will take you on a journey through the orchard, providing you with an in-depth understanding of this delicious and healthy fruit.
Book your tour now and experience the beauty and wonder of an avocado orchard; the only tour of its kind in New Zealand!
Visit: www.avocadotours.nz
TAKE IN THE VIEWS AND BIRDLIFE AT THE KATIKATI BIRD GARDENS
The beautiful and tranquil Bird Gardens, established over 45 years ago, are a 10 acre park are set directly on the edge of the inner Tauranga harbour. With water-lily ponds, mature trees from around the world, flower gardens and natural wetlands the gardens are a delight all year round. This special corner of New Zealand is truly unique with many varieties of birds wandering free and in aviaries scattered throughout the gardens.
The gardens are a great family day out and place to unwind.
Visit: www.birdgardens.co.nz
ENJOY AN ARTISTIC BREAK AT THE CARLTON GALLERY
The Carlton Gallery is a boutique gallery nestled within The Arts Junction, situated on the Main Road, Katikati.
Exhibitions change fortnightly and include a variety of artworks from paintings, porcelain art, wood art and more from both local and national artists. Original artworks are available for sale at affordable rates – and who knows what they may be worth in the future!
Come along, browse and enjoy an artistic break.
Visit: www.KatikatiOpenAirArt.co.nz
DISCOVER THE MURALS AND SCULPTURES OF KATIKATI
Katikati is known as New Zealand’s Mural Town, with over 80 outdoor murals and sculptures located around the township.
Grab a map from The Arts Junction on the Main Road and go for a wander and discover the artworks dotted throughout the township and walkways. Scan the QR code on each artwork to learn more as most pieces depict scenes from the town’s history.
The first mural to be produced in 1990 was “Waitekohe School” and in 1996 the first Mural Town Magic festival was held when Katikati celebrated its first five years of projects. Now Katikati celebrates with the week or month long biennial NZ Mural Contest & Art Festival that involves as many forms of the arts and groups as possible.
For more info and an online map visit www.katikatiopenairart.co.nz
WANDER THE HAIKU WALK
The Haiku Walk located in the town centre behind the retail area is Katikati’s most well-known walkway.
Access the Haiku Park on the roadway between Robert Harris café and Hammer Hardware on the Main Road. The park offers a great picnic area with its large leafy trees and the meandering Uretara Stream.
Boulders inscribed with Haiku poems are dotted alongside the Uretara Stream making for an interesting poetic walk. 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.
LOOKING FOR MORE TO EXPERIENCE?
For more art galleries visit here.
Want to catch a movie in the boutique Junction Theatre visit here.
Fancy a soak in the hot pools? Visit here.
Ready to hit the shops? Visit here.
Or check out other local walks that are also dog friendly here.