Visit Katikati, Bay of Plenty, NZ

Katikati, 10 minute’s drive north of Tauranga, along the harbour, is a great vacation destination for boating and swimming, fishing and bush walks. With plenty of accommodation options, thermal mineral pools and a golf course, it makes for an easy, relaxing holiday.

Katikati was settled by Irish immigrants in 1875; the town retains some historical colonial buildings. It was voted NZ’s “most beautiful small town” in 2005. Katikati has also been nicknamed “mural town”, due a project to beautify its commercial buildings with artists’ murals, which started in the 1990s.

Around Katikati are many points of interest to visit, including Ongare Point, Kauri Point, Tanners Point, Tuapiro Point, Anzac Bay and Shelly Bay. The harbour edge is great for bird watching. Occasionally, whales and dolphins can be seen from the shore.

Accommodation in Katikati (NZ)

Katikati has a good range of hospitality options, including lodge, motel, bed and breakfast, farm stay, self-contained holiday homes and holiday park/backpackers. Campers and motorhome drivers are catered for at a holiday park.

Many properties are in waterfront locations and provide equipment such as kayaks and boats for the use of guests.

Transport around Katikati

Regular coach services connect with all main centres and around the Bay of Plenty.

Mountain bikes can be hired for transport around the town or having fun on mountain bike trails. Horse trekking and motorcycle tours are alternative ways to get around.

Tourist Activities at Katikati

There are many parks and gardens around Katikati for leisurely walking. Bush tracks and hiking trails in the surrounding country provide more opportunities for viewing scenery and experiencing the unique ecology and bird life of New Zealand.

Fishing and scuba diving enthusiasts will find many options, whether shore-based or from a rental or charter boat.

Sceniccruises by jet boat operate from Katikati – a very exciting way to experience the harbour and ocean.

With Tauranga within easy reach, tourists can experience many of the adventure activities based in the city, as well as visit its museums, galleries, theatres and restaurants.

Many hiking trails and bush walks around the Katikati area offer spectacular views and an interesting look at unique ecology and birdlife – a photographer’s dream.

Scenic flights, by aircraft or helicopter, are an exciting way to see the active volcano White Island.

The town has a museum, art & craft galleries, shops and restaurants that can fill a rainy day

Golfing is very popular in Katikati. There are two in the immediate area and another three courses south along the Bay.

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