Tourist activities in Katikati
Katikati, New Zealand’s mural town, offers unique art, nature, and culture. Discover top attractions, activities, and travel tips for an unforgettable Bay of Plenty trip.
This is not the official website. Visit the official website at https://www.katikati.org.nz/
Katikati, often called the mural town of New Zealand, is a charming destination located in the Bay of Plenty region. Famous for its vibrant street art and welcoming atmosphere, Katikati combines creativity with natural beauty. Travelers can stroll through colorful murals, enjoy scenic walks, explore local markets, and visit nearby wineries. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Katikati has something to offer. Conveniently located between Tauranga and Waihi, it’s an ideal stop on your New Zealand road trip. This guide covers the best things to do in Katikati and how to make the most of your visit.
Activities in and around Katikati
- 🎨 Murals capital: Discover Katikati’s famous street art on walls across the town.
- 🌿 Nature walks: Explore Haiku Pathway and nearby hiking trails.
- 🏖 Bay of Plenty: Gateway to beaches, orchards, and local markets.
- 🍷 Wine & food: Sample regional wines and fresh produce.
- 📍 Central location: Perfect stop between Tauranga and Waihi on a North Island road trip.
Katikati, often nicknamed the “town of murals”, is a small destination full of charm in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. 🎨 Renowned for the colorful artworks that adorn its walls, Katikati offers a unique open-air gallery where history and art meet. Each mural tells a story about the region and its inhabitants, giving visitors a glimpse into local culture and traditions. As you stroll through the town centre, you’ll discover magnificent murals, often accompanied by explanations that highlight the events and history they illustrate.
One of the most popular things to do in Katikati is the famous Mural Trail. 🖼 With around 40 murals scattered throughout the town, the walk is both cultural and relaxing. To make the most of your visit, it’s recommended to stop by the Katikati Information Centre to pick up a guide or map. This way, you’ll learn more about the history behind each piece of art.
The trail can be enjoyed 🚶♂️ on foot or 🚴 by bike, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious about local stories, the mural walk is an essential experience that perfectly captures the creative spirit of Katikati.
For history lovers, the Katikati Museum is another must-see. 🏛 Inside, you’ll find exhibitions that retrace the town’s past, with a strong focus on both the early European settlers and the Māori heritage of the Bay of Plenty. From old photographs and artifacts to engaging stories of community life, the museum provides an enriching perspective on how Katikati developed over the centuries.
Visiting the museum is the perfect complement to the mural walk: while the murals bring the town’s history to life in the streets, the museum offers the deeper context behind them. 📜 It’s a rewarding stop for travelers eager to understand both the cultural and historical roots of this unique destination.
One of Katikati’s greatest assets is its exceptional location. 🌄 Nestled between the mountains and the sea, the region offers visitors a wide range of breathtaking landscapes. Whether you love hiking, kayaking, surfing, or simply relaxing in nature, Katikati and its surroundings provide plenty of opportunities for adventure and discovery.
If you are a nature enthusiast, a hike to Wairere Falls is an absolute must. 🌿 Located about 30 minutes from Katikati, this impressive waterfall is one of the largest in the Bay of Plenty region. The 2–3 hour hike takes you through lush forest and native vegetation before reaching the top. From there, you can admire sweeping views of the valley and the coastline. 📸 It’s a spectacular spot for photographers, hikers, and anyone looking to experience New Zealand’s wild beauty.
Just outside Katikati lies the vast Kaimai-Mamaku National Park. 🏞 This protected area is home to native forests, rivers, waterfalls, and rugged mountain ranges. The park offers a variety of trails, from short family-friendly walks to challenging multi-day treks. Along the way, you may encounter unique flora and fauna, including native birds such as the kiwi 🥝 and the tiny piwauwau, known as the New Zealand rock wren.
For hikers and nature lovers, this park is one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences near Katikati.
Only 10 kilometres from Katikati, the coastline opens up to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Bay of Plenty. 🏖 Waihi Beach, one of the most popular, is ideal for surfing, swimming, or simply enjoying the relaxed seaside atmosphere. For those looking for a quieter escape, the Katikati estuary and nearby coves offer calm waters, perfect for kayaking or a peaceful swim.
These beaches make Katikati a versatile destination where you can combine culture, mountains, and the ocean in a single trip.
For a more adventurous excursion, head about 1h30 from Katikati to the famous Waitomo Caves. ✨ Known for their glow worms, the caves offer a magical underground experience. Visitors can paddle or take a boat through limestone caverns illuminated by thousands of tiny blue-green lights. The sight of these natural “stars” against the dark cave ceilings is unforgettable, making the Waitomo Caves one of New Zealand’s most unique natural attractions.
The region surrounding Katikati is not only famous for its murals and landscapes but also for its rich agricultural heritage. 🥝 Orchards, vineyards, and local farms make the Bay of Plenty one of New Zealand’s most fertile regions. Visitors can enjoy fresh produce, learn about farming traditions, and taste excellent wines—all within a short distance of the town.
The Bay of Plenty is considered the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit production. 🍃 Around Katikati, vast orchards stretch across the countryside, producing both green and golden kiwifruit that are exported worldwide.
Many local farms open their doors to visitors:
A visit to a kiwifruit farm is a uniquely local experience, giving travelers the chance to connect with Katikati’s agricultural roots while sampling one of New Zealand’s most iconic exports.
While not as large as Marlborough or Hawke’s Bay, the vineyards of the Bay of Plenty offer a more intimate wine experience. 🍷 The mild climate and fertile soils around Katikati create excellent conditions for white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Several boutique wineries near Katikati welcome visitors with:
For wine lovers, spending a day touring these vineyards is a memorable way to taste the local terroir and enjoy the flavors of the Bay of Plenty.
Katikati is not only known for its murals and landscapes, but also for its vibrant cultural life. 🎶 Throughout the year, the town hosts festivals and events that showcase local art, music, food, and traditions, making it a lively stop in the Bay of Plenty.
Every February, Katikati comes alive with the A&P Show (Agricultural & Pastoral Show). 🚜 This traditional rural festival celebrates the region’s farming heritage with:
It’s one of the best opportunities to experience the authentic rural side of New Zealand while mingling with the locals.
Every Sunday morning, the Katikati Market is a must-visit. 🛍 Here you’ll find:
The market is not just about shopping—it’s a friendly, community experience where you can chat with producers and discover authentic Bay of Plenty flavors.
Held every two years, the Katikati Arts Festival is the cultural highlight of the town. 🎨 Bringing together local and international artists, it features:
This event transforms Katikati into a true hub of creativity, making it the perfect occasion for art lovers.
Katikati also caters to families and those in search of relaxation. 🌿 Between gardens, cruises, and nature experiences, there’s something for everyone.
The Katikati gardens are ideal for a peaceful afternoon. 🌸 Visitors can stroll through native plants and colourful flowers, enjoy picnic areas, and let children play in designated spaces. For adults, it’s the perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature.
For a different perspective of the region, hop on a Bay of Plenty cruise. ⛵ Local operators offer boat trips where you can:
These cruises are a gentle, relaxing way to experience the Bay of Plenty’s marine environment.
Katikati and its surroundings offer a wealth of things to do for all kinds of travelers. 🌏 Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, an art lover, a foodie, or simply someone looking to unwind, this region of New Zealand combines culture, landscapes, and authentic hospitality.
If you’re visiting the Bay of Plenty, make sure to stop in Katikati—it’s a destination that blends murals, nature, festivals, and flavors into one unforgettable experience.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Katikati can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring (September–November) and summer (December–February). 🌸 In spring, temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C, gardens are in full bloom, and conditions are ideal for hiking or outdoor activities. ☀️ Summer is warmer, reaching up to 25°C, perfect for enjoying nearby beaches and local events such as the Katikati A&P Show. Autumn (March–May) and winter (June–August) are quieter seasons—ideal for a peaceful getaway—though you can expect cooler, sometimes rainy weather.
Yes, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Katikati. 🌿 Families can enjoy the town’s gardens, which are perfect for picnics and playtime. The children’s playground in the town centre is also a fun stop. 🏖 For more adventure, the Bay of Plenty beaches nearby offer safe swimming, sandcastle building, and walks along the coast. Some local farms even organise guided tours where children can meet animals and learn about agriculture—an engaging and educational activity.
Katikati is a small town, so exploring the murals and town centre is easy on foot or by bike. 🚲 For nearby attractions such as Wairere Falls, vineyards, or remote Bay of Plenty beaches, renting a car is the most practical option. 🚗 Bike hire is also available for those who want to explore at a slower pace, while taxis and private transfer services can be arranged if needed. However, public transport is limited in Katikati, so independent travel is recommended.