What Does New Zealand’s Mural Town Have to Offer?
Katikati is best described as an “open-air” town. All the coolest little quirks can be found outside while navigating the streets or parks. There’s an impressive amount of walls that are covered by an even more impressive amount of mural paintings. In fact, there are more than 50 murals adding colour to Katikati. If you appreciate a good photo opportunity then the offering of sculptures are here to serve! So what are the things to do in Katikati?
This little gem nestled in the touristic Bay of Plenty definitely deserves to be a pit stop on your way to your next adventure in New Zealand.
Some of those on a working holiday may even stay longer to take up a seasonal job in the area since Katikati is a major growing area for kiwifruit and avocados.
1. Scenic Walks in Katikati
Just like every single place in New Zealand, one of the best ways to enjoy Katikati is to throw on the hiking shoes and start exploring the area on foot. Amongst our favourite walks and hikes in Katikati are the Uretara River Walkway, The Big Kauri Tree Walk, the Haiku Pathway with its carved short poems (haikus), and the Lindemann Lookout Loop providing a vantage point of the whole city and surroundings.
© Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia2. Murals… Murals Everywhere
While you have your hiking shoes on, you might as well walk to every single mural. They always make fun and colourful photos that should please the most artistic of your Instagram friends. With over 50 murals scattered across the small town, it will be hard to miss these giant pieces of art!
© Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia3. Katikati War Memorial Museum
The building is a memorial to the losses of World War I and World War II. It was actually built by a former jet pilot that was gunned down during the war. The building looks particularly great at night as it is very nicely lit!
© Royal New Zealand Navy on Flickr4. Open-air Sculptures
As well as the many murals, the town also has plenty of open-air sculptures. Some of our favourites are The Pioneers, the Giant Moa and all the other metal birds along the Bird Walk. Of course, we can’t forget this guy reading his paper as a symbol of time standing still in Katikati. See more sculptures around New Zealand in 22 BIG Things in New Zealand.
© Crys on Flickr5. Waihi Beach
One of the main attractions of the city are the famous beaches nearby, particularly Waihi, a 9km (6 miles) long white sand beach. The usually isolated beach is great for a swim or to take your rod out and catch dinner. For those that want to try surfing, the beach is known as one of the safest surf beaches in the country. See more 22 Stunning Beaches in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore Things to Do Near Katikati
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