As its nickname suggests, Katikati is famous for its large number of murals, which are scattered around town to depict its history and its people. Explore this artistic little town at the northern end of the Tauranga Harbour and enjoy the surrounding orchards and farmlands.
Katikati is just half an hour by car from the town of Mount Maunganui, which is connected by bridge to the city of Tauranga. Begin your visit by following the Katikati Murals Walk published on the town’s website or take one of the weekend tours that are offered in summer. Learn stories of the early days of farming, education, transport and trade. Along the way you’ll also find several inspiring sculptures, so exploring the town feels like being in an open-air gallery.
Stroll along the Haiku Pathway, set in a tranquil environment along the Uretara Stream. Find over 40 river boulders engraved with Japanese-style verses that all consist of 3 lines with a set amount of syllables each. Most poems reflect the beautiful surroundings.
Fire up your tastebuds with a trip along the Katikati Cuisine Trail. Along with a wide range of fresh farm produce, you will also find a tempting array of wines, cheeses, preserves and seafood. Take your purchases to an idyllic spot for a picnic or order a tasty meal in a café.
Delve into the nature of the region with a walk or a bike ride along one of the many trails around the Katikati peninsula. A local favorite is the Katikati Bird Walk with its birdlife sculptures along the way. Keep watch for the wide variety of birds that live in this estuary.
Sooth your muscles with a dip in the thermal pools at the Sapphire Springs Holiday Park. Choose from one of the communal pools, fed with flowing warm water from the hot springs, or upgrade to a private spa in a natural bush setting.
Finish off with tracking down “Barry,” if you hadn’t already found him in town. Being one of the iconic sculptures around Katikati, he is a gentleman enjoying his newspaper on a bench. Take a seat to pose for a fun photo with Barry, or follow his lead and just sit and enjoy the atmosphere of charming Mural Town.
