Your Complete Guide to New Zealand's Beautiful Coromandel Peninsula

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Located beside the Uretara River, Katikati has gained a unique status in the tourist industry for the creative and colourful murals painted on virtually every spare wall in the central town.
Driven by desire to put Katikati on the main tourist trail, the Open-air Art's Committee started the first of the town's murals in 1991. Five years on, the town is celebrating its 20th mural. The murals are an integral part of the towns unique atmosphere and have helped it claim the title of "New Zealand's Most Beautiful Small Town" four times.
Adding to Katikati's charm are the numerous craft and garden trails and some interesting attractions.
The restored Kauri villa of Twickenham Homestead is a country cafe filled with unique collectables and antiques. It sits on the northern edge of town, nestled among a tranquil garden.
Katikati is known for its home hosting and a creative community. Numerous artists living in its midst regularly display their works in The Gallery, next to the Memorial Hall in the centre of town.
The Uretara Walkway wends it way along the Uretara River, downstream through farmland and private gardens. Starting at the northern end of town, near the tavern, the walk finishes at Park Road Reserve. This was the site of the Uretara Landing which served as a central access point in the town when riverways were the most efficient form of transportation.
A large colonial stye Tourist Lodge is tucked amidst the hills and trees 1 km south of Katikati.
Renowned for its fine cuisine the lodge is home to a variety of birdlife including colourfully plumed rosellas and fantails.
Back onto the highway the next stop could be the hot pools, 3 km up Hot Spring Road.
Travelling south from Katikati to Tauranga the Pacific Coast Highway offers a large olde worlde white stucco building. Once the Katikati Dairy Company, the building has been converted into a restaurant, cafe and antique gallery.
A short drive further down the main highway leads past a landmark winery, built in the style od traditional Dutch architecture. Wine tasting is a speciality.

Last updated on 29 Aug 2008.