Katikati
The Kaimai Coast – this beautiful stretch of coastline encompasses, in just a few kilometres, many of the features that make New Zealand such a special place: the rolling surf to the tranquil harbour, thermal pools, orchards and farms on the fertile fringe of land sloping up to the bush-clad hills of the Kaimai Mamaku ranges. Katikati is known as NZ Muraltown and the Avocado Capital of NZ. Katikati is a bustling, friendly township of around 4500 people with a great community spirit. You will soon fall upon of many jewels in our crown: Katikati, known as the Mural Town of New Zealand, with over 80 murals and pieces of art around the town depicting the history and culture of the area, this makes it NZ’s biggest open-air art gallery. Local community group, Open Air Art, was established 30 years ago to promote the town during a downturn in the Kiwifruit industry. In more recent years there has been the addition of the Haiku Pathway, this tranquil riverside walk features winding path leading past boulders engraved with Haiku, short poems written my poets from around the world. This is the largest collection of haiku ‘stones’ outside Japan and the only haiku pathway in the Southern Hemisphere. 54
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Hauraki Rail Trail
The Western Bay Museum has been open for a couple of years and is attracting crowds from across the district. The Western Bay Museum is a boutique sized museum situated in the heart of town. They take immense pride in the historical, cultural and artistic stories of our area and strive to present these narratives in fresh and interesting ways, utilising our permanent collection of objects and artefacts. Temporary, thematic exhibitions are developed and displayed every four months. The Arts Junction is one of Katikati’s newest attractions which includes an art gallery, gift shop and boutique cinema / theatre. It is also home to the Visitor Information Centre and is open 7 days. There are amazing bush walks in the foothills of the Kaimai Rangers, if it is a 40 minute walk to a giant Kauri tree, a 4 hour loop walk through stunning bush and old milling relics or an over night trek to a DOC hut it is all central to Katikati. For those who like a slower pace there are walk and cycleways around the Katikati town and urban area. Just over 20km of trails and linking roads take you coastal and through lovely parks and reserves, a great way to take in all the splendour that makes Katikati so special.
