Katikati Katikati is a small arty town with a thriving community. Known as New Zealand’s mural town, there are many artistic nooks to be explored in Katikati, with artwork front and centre. In 2018, Katikati was named, “Avocado Capital of New Zealand.” According to the Western Bay Museum, Katikati was settled in 1875 by George Vesey Stewart and settlers from Ulster Northern Ireland. But it has a long history of Māori occupation well before that. Alongside the town’s weekly markets and regular events there are Twilight Concerts, an Avocado Food and Wine Festival in January each year, A&P Show and the biennial New Zealand Mural Contest and Arts Festival. The Katikati Plant and Produce market meets every Friday night at the A&P showgrounds on Major St, Katikati. The
Meaning of place name When Tamatekapua, commander of the Arawa canoe, stopped here for a meal, his men ate their food quickly, but Tama nibbled his slowly, hence Katikati-oTamatekapua, katikati: nibbling; o: of; Tamatekapua. Reputedly the original name of Waterford was changed to Katikati because the town’s founder George Vesey Stewart did not want to pay extra on telegrams from Britain by adding the words ‘New Zealand’ (the original Waterford being in Ireland). – New Zealand History, nzhistory.govt.nz. Lions Moggies market is held on the second Saturday of each month at the Katikati War Memorial Hall. The Katikati Artisan Craft Market is held the third Saturday of the month at Chrome Café. To find out what’s on in the town visit the katikati.org.nz website.
Please note that the trip from Waihi to Katikati is NOT a part of the Hauraki Rail Trail and is on State Highway 2. 46
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Hauraki Rail Trail
