Local Activities - Katikati, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Bordered by the Tauranga Harbour & the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, Katikati sits at the gateway to the beautiful Bay of Plenty. With all the charm & culture of rural New Zealand, it is a welcoming and relaxing place to take a break from everyday life & has something for everyone; whether that be the outdoors, the arts, or delicious wine & food. Katikati is in day trip vicinity to many of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations.

Waihi Beach

17min drive from Katikati (19km)

Waihi Beach offers nine kilometres of sweeping white sand with one of the safest surf breaks in New Zealand. It brings people back each summer to just relax or enjoy activities out on the water or along our coastline and bush. There's something to suit everyone and every budget with a wide range accommodation and dining options.

Tauranga

31min drive from Katikati (36km)

Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest growing population centres in the country. Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk around the area. The Strand waterfront area is modern and always buzzing, and is home to a number of cafés, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs. Tauranga’s harbour is in evidence almost everywhere you go, providing the urban area with an attractive waterfront setting.

http://www.downtowntauranga.co.nz/

Mount Maunganui

38min drive from Katikati (43km)

"The Mount" is the colloquial name for Mount Maunganui, a relaxed beach town that occupies a peninsula at the southern end of Tauranga Harbour.

At the very tip of the peninsula is a dormant volcano - Mauao - which rises to 230 metres above sea level. There's a choice of tracks leading to the summit. Huge views of the harbour, beach and Pacific Ocean make the effort totally worthwhile.

Across from the Main Beach is a number of cafés to enjoy a meal or coffee while taking in the ambience of the area. Maunganui Road in the downtown Mount Maunganui area is also popular with boutique shopping and top restaurants and cafés.

http://www.mountmaunganui.org.nz/

Katikati - Mural Town

Katikati in the Bay of Plenty is known as the mural town of New Zealand. In 1990 some residents, concerned about the dismal economic situation, formed a group to organise mural paintings to revitalise the town.

The murals of Katikati are an interpretation of the town's history, its people and events. They draw inspiration from the past as they help the town look to the future. From three murals in 1991, the town now features over 44. In addition Katikati features a growing collection of other outdoor art. This growth will continue as Katikati Open-Air Art and the community plan more murals, more sculptures, and more festivals.

http://www.katchkatikati.org.nz/

Kaimai Bush Walks

53min drive from Katikati (61km)

The Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park stretches for 70 kilometres from the Karangahake Gorge near Waihi to the Mamaku Plateau near Rotorua.

From Tauranga, Paeroa, Te Aroha and Matamata, access roads run directly into the park to connect with well-marked hiking tracks. You can pick up a track map at the visitor centres in these towns.

Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park

http://www.kaimaibush.co.nz/

Day Trips

Coromandel Peninsula
This scenic finger of land reaching into the sea is part of the Pacific Coast Highway. The dramatic coast, beautiful beaches and rugged ranges makes it one of New Zealand’s best loved holiday spots. The coastline is ideal for diving, fishing, surfing, kayaking and boating.

Rotorua
Rotorua has long been an iconic tourism destination for both New Zealand travellers and international visitors. It is known for its beautiful lakes, spectacular geothermal attractions, stunning scenery, and its warm and friendly people.

Taupo
Taupo is one of New Zealands premier tourist locations. It is an exquisitely beautiful place. Lake Taupo is the country’s largest, fresh water lake and it’s pristine waters are nestled underneath Tongariro national park, home to some of the imagery seen in Peter Jackson’s, Lord Of The Rings.

Classic Flyers Aviation Museum Cafe & Conference Venue

9 Jean Batten Dr, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116

MUST-DO EXPERIENCE
The whole family will enjoy the Classic Flyers experience. Share in the excitement of New Zealand’s rich aviation history:

- Classic and vintage aircraft
- Open-cockpit flights over the Mount, Tauranga and Bay
- Operational machines
- NAC display
- Aircraft model collections
- Janes’ miniature collections
- Indoor and outdoor play areas
- Specialising in children’s parties
- Extensive function facilities
- Ideal for car and bike rallies
- Aircraft-themed gift shop
- AvGas Café & Bar

Classic Flyers Website