Katikati: Murals, Haiku and Walks by the Water

Katikati combines murals and haiku carved in stone with a museum in the old fire station. There are also paths along Uretara Stream and hiking options in the surrounding area. This lets you combine art and local history with walks, nature and a visit to local food producers.

Art and History in Katikati

Every two years, Katikati hosts the NZ Mural Contest & Art Festival. An edition lasts a week or a month and features numerous art forms and community groups. Artworks are part of the townscape even outside the festival: the Haiku Pathway & Katikati Murals Walk is considered an easy walk through Katikati. Along Uretara Stream, haiku poems are carved into stones.

The Western Bay Museum is housed in Katikati’s historic old fire station at 32 Main Road. Its collections, interactive experiences and carefully curated exhibitions tell the story of tangata whenua and the settlers who built the Western Bay. You can visit the museum without booking ahead; admission is free. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and on weekends and public holidays from 11 am to 3 pm. Check opening hours before you arrive.

In the wider destination of the Western Bay of Plenty District, the Katikati Town Centre loop runs from Haiku Park along paths with verses carved into rocks and the pavement. It follows Uretara Stream, crosses a footbridge to Uretara Landing, then continues along the main road to murals and other artworks in the town centre. Individual installations may change.

Walks by the Water and Hikes

The Bird Walk, also called the Yeoman Walkway, is a flat waterfront and estuary path along Uretara Stream. There are opportunities for birdwatching along the way, as well as views of the harbour. For a forest walk to a lookout, the Sentinel Rock Lookout Track starts on Hot Springs Road; its approximate return distance is 6 km.

For a longer outing, try the Te Rereatukahia Loop Track on Hot Springs Road. The loop connects the road with Te Rereatukahia Hut, is 14 km long and takes about seven hours return. Also on Hot Springs Road is the approximately 11 km Motutapere Hut Walk, considered a more challenging hike in the Kaimai Range. These details show the different planning measures provided: an approximate return time is given for the Te Rereatukahia Loop Track, while an approximate return distance is given for the Sentinel Rock Lookout Track.

About 15 minutes south of Katikati is Waitekohekohe Recreational Park. It has walking trails, mountain-bike tracks graded 1 to 4, more than 6 km of horse-riding trails and swimming spots along Waitekohe Stream. North of Katikati, about 5 km away, Tuapiro Point Foreshore Walk offers paths along the beach and through the forest. Immediately south of Katikati, Tuahu Kauri Track leads on a 20-minute return walk to a protective boardwalk around one of the largest mature kauri trees in the Bay of Plenty.

Culture, Food and Regional Excursions

On the Katikati Cuisine Trail, you can meet local artisan food producers and sample their products on site. The Katikati Visitor Information Centre is located at Arts Junction in the heart of Katikati and provides maps, brochures and travel information. The small Junction Theatre is also located in the arts centre, The Art Junction, and has sofas and theatre-style seating. Films, concerts and theatrical performances are held there regularly; check specific dates before your visit.

Another hiking option in the wider destination of the Western Bay of Plenty District is the Orokawa Bay Walk. It begins at the northern end of Waihī Beach and crosses coastal headlands to Orokawa Bay; the estimated time is about 45 minutes each way. The path passes through dense bush with pōhutukawa, kauri and puriri trees, as well as native nikau palms. Orokawa Bay is part of a 145-hectare scenic reserve. Tides and swell affect access and should be taken into account when planning.

Planning begins with the question of which sides of Katikati you would like to discover.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Te Puke, Athenree, Pukehina, Tahawai, Te Puna, Whakamarama, Papamoa, Lower Kaimai.

For the wider travel overview: Western Bay of Plenty District.