What a gorgeous place Katikati is, on the Western Bay of Plenty. It is known as a lot of things, one of them being the Gateway to the Bay of Plenty!
Katikati sits 16 km from Waihi Beach and about 40 km from Tauranga, located alongside the picturesque Uretara Stream near the northern end of Tauranga Harbour.
Although State Highway 2 runs through the centre of town, it’s one of those places you’re almost glad it does, otherwise you might never discover it.
And I’m very glad we did. Read our review of ASURE Kaimai Views Motel, where we stayed.
New Zealand’s Mural Town
Katikati is also known as New Zealand’s Mural Town, with at least 76 artworks depicting the history of the region.
Murals decorate buildings throughout the town, while sculptures, carvings, mosaics and tapestries appear in parks and public spaces.
What stood out about this town is how every shop, eatery, and service had wide-opening doors and step-free access. It was so welcoming and easy to get around.
Next to a mural is always a story from the artist. This mural is of local Patrick Hone Done, a member of St. John’s Community, and a proud freemason, the Kaikati Lodges’ “Welfare Officer.”
Sally Carter – Artist
The Avocado Capital of New Zealand
Katikati is also known as the Avocado Capital of New Zealand.
In 2019, more than two-thirds of New Zealand’s avocado production came from this region. The volcanic soils and subtropical climate make it ideal for growing them.
The industry began in 1968 when resident Arthur Honeyfield planted the first avocado trees.
We happened to be there on market day and came home with two large organic spray-free avocados for $2.
Later, I discovered the town had been awarded New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Small Town (population under 8,000) in 2005 by Keep New Zealand Beautiful Society.
That didn’t surprise me in the slightest.
The Arts Junction Gallery
One of the things we really enjoyed about Katikati was how the town’s heritage style doesn’t just appear in the murals; it’s reflected in the buildings as well. When we visited The Arts Junction gallery, we found some incredible pieces by local artists. What we appreciated just as much was the welcoming step-free entry and automatic glass sliding doors, which made it easy for us to roll straight inside. A mobility park was right outside and easy to access.
Even the floor featured a mural, continuing the town’s creative theme and making the gallery feel like an extension of the artwork you see throughout Katikati’s streets.
Accessible Walks in Katikati
One highlight is the Haiku Pathway, which follows the Uretara Stream through town and links beautifully with the Uretara Landing, where the route continues along the estuary via the Bird Walk (Yeaman Walkway). Great spot to grab a picnic and relax in nature.
Best accessible starting point
The easiest step-free access is from Haiku Park
Why this works well:
- Sealed shared pathway
- Gentle gradients
- No steps from this entrance
- Easy navigation along the stream
- Sealed Carpark (with mobility parking)
There are several entry points along the pathway, but the access behind the Katikati Library has steps, so the entrance is not wheelchair-accessible. We used a steep sealed path off the main street beside the Robert Harris Cafe.
Surface and terrain
Haiku Pathway section
- Mostly smooth concrete paths
- Generally wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility scooters
- Very gentle gradients following the stream
Uretara Landing
- Open waterfront area
- Sealed paths and flat spaces
- Good turning areas for larger mobility devices
Bird Walk / Yeoman Walkway
We didn’t manage to check this out ourselves, but we are certainly keen to return and do so. This is how it was described to us when asking for advice:
- Continues from the landing along the estuary
- Mostly flat
- Surfaces become more variable
- compacted gravel/scoria
- grass in places
- Generally manageable for powerchairs and mobility scooters (we advise trying in drier months when the ground is firmer).
Distance (approximate)
- Haiku Park to Uretara Landing: about 1 km
- Uretara Landing to Bird Walk section: another 1-1.5 km, depending on how far you go.
Things to be aware of
- Some narrow sections beside the stream
- Occasional tree roots and uneven surfaces on the Bird Walk
- Sections exposed to the tide and weather near the estuary
This unique trail features more than 40 haiku poems carved into river boulders, making it the only pathway of its kind outside Japan.
Accessibility Snapshot
Location
Haiku Pathway following the Uretara Stream. The route links to Uretara Landing and continues along the Bird Walk (Yeoman Walkway).
Best Accessible Entry Point
Start from Haiku Park, where the pathway is flat and sealed.
Parking
Parking available at Haiku Park close to the pathway entrance.
Path Surface
- Haiku Pathway – sealed concrete shared path
- Bird Walk – compacted gravel, scoria and grass sections
Steps
- ✔ Step-free from Haiku Park
- ⚠ Steps on the access route behind the Katikati Library
Gradient
Mostly flat with gentle gradients following the stream.
Wheelchair Suitability
- Powerchairs & mobility scooters: generally suitable across the full route
- Manual wheelchairs: easy on the sealed Haiku Pathway; Bird Walk surfaces may require more effort
Distance
- Haiku Park → Uretara Landing: approx 1 km
- Additional distance is available by continuing along the Bird Walk.
Highlights
Streamside walking, haiku poetry plaques, birdlife and estuary views.
And don’t forget to check out our other blogs in the area!
If you’ve walked/wheeled any of the walks in this area, we’d love your feedback below!
