Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Matakana Island
About 24km long and forming the seaward side of Tauranga Harbour, privately owned
Matakana is laced with secluded white-sand surf beaches on its eastern shore (experien-
ced surfers only). The community lifestyle here is laid-back and beachy, but the only way
you can visit is on a kayak tour with Adventure Bay of Plenty (
Click here
)
.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Katikati
POP 4060
'Katikat' to the locals, this busy little town was the only planned Ulster settlement in the
world, and celebrates this history with a series of colourful
murals
. The
Mural Town In-
formation Centre
(
07-549 1658;
www.katikati.org.nz
; 36 Main Rd;
8am-5pm Mon-Fri,
9am-2pm Sat, 10am-2pm Sun;
)
sells a guide to the murals ($2.50), or you can take a
small-group
guided tour
(
07-549 2977; per person $5)
.
Sights & Activities
Katikati Heritage Museum
MUSEUM
( 07-549 0651;
www.katikatiheritagemuseum.co.nz
; 3 Wharawhara Rd; adult/child $7.50/5;
9am-4pm)
This rusty old museum traces local history with an engaging mix of Maori arte-
facts and Ulster history, some moa bones, old flat-tyre tractors and reputedly the largest
bottle collection in the southern hemisphere.
Haiku Pathway
WALKWAY
(
www.katikati.co.nz
; 24hr)
Kicking off just near the information centre, the Haiku
Pathway rambles along the Uretara River past boulders inscribed with haiku verses. A
serene scene.
Katikati Bird Gardens
WILDLIFE RESERVE
( 07-549 0912;
www.birdgardens.co.nz
;
263 Walker Rd E; adult/child/family $9.50/5/25;
10am-4.30pm)
About 7km south of town, the 4-hectare Katikati Bird Gardens is aflap with
native birdlife (ever seen a kawaupaka?). There's a cafe and gallery here, plus boutiquey
cottage accommodation (double B&B $160).
