Western Bay of Plenty District: Haiku Art and Coastal Walks

In Katikati, haiku verses, a path along the Uretara Stream and art in the town centre come together in a walking tour. At the northern end of Waihī Beach, the Orokawa Bay Walk begins, winding through bush to Orokawa Bay. The Katikati Cuisine Trail adds encounters with local food producers to these experiences. Art in town, a coastal walk and artisan-made food offer distinct experiences side by side.

Art in Katikati Town Centre

The Katikati Town Centre walking route leads from Haiku Park along paths where haiku verses are carved into rocks and paving. It follows the Uretara Stream and crosses a footbridge to Uretara Landing. From there, it continues along the main road to murals and other artworks in the town centre. The route brings together verses in the park and along the paths, art in town and a stretch beside the water. Individual installations may change.

Local produce on the Katikati Cuisine Trail

If you would like to discover local food as well as art and scenery, the Katikati Cuisine Trail offers another perspective on Katikati: visitors can meet artisan food producers and sample their products on site. Producers and offerings may change; the encounters and tastings are the focus of this experience.

Orokawa Bay Walk: Coastal Track and Bush

The Orokawa Bay Walk starts at the northern end of Waihī Beach and leads across coastal headlands to Orokawa Bay. The walking time is about 45 minutes each way. Dense bush along the track includes pōhutukawa, kauri and puriri trees, as well as native nīkau palms. The bay is part of a 145-hectare scenic reserve. Tides and surf affect access; check conditions before setting out.

The walk in Katikati and the Orokawa Bay Walk offer different highlights: in Katikati, the focus is on verses, artworks and the Uretara Stream in the town centre. On the track to Orokawa Bay, the coastal headlands, bush and approximate walking time each way are useful points of reference.

The Bay of Plenty as a wider travel destination

The wider Bay of Plenty destination offers lakes and geothermal landscapes, as well as remnants of gold mining and timber harvesting. In Tauranga, the wooden library and mission house at The Elms are the oldest known surviving buildings in the Bay of Plenty region. Their national significance is linked to the way they reflect early contact between the Church Missionary Society and Māori in the Bay of Plenty.

Other tracks are also part of the region’s offerings: the Leyland O’Brien Tramline Track follows an old tramway route along the headwaters of the Ngamuwahine River and connects Whakamarama Road with the North–South Track. It is in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park. Check DOC conditions before your visit.

Another example in the Bay of Plenty is the Tarawera Trail in Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve. It starts at the Te Wairoa car park on Tarawera Road. At Hawaiki Bay, the trail provides access to the lake as well as a picnic area with toilets. A therapeutic spa continues to be used for relaxation in the historic spa buildings of Rotorua Government Gardens; check the current facilities before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Katikati, Papamoa, Tahawai, Te Puke, Lower Kaimai, Pyes Pa, Whakamarama, Paengaroa, Pukehina, Athenree, Te Puna, Aongatete, Waihi Beach.

Back to the wider travel overview: Bay of Plenty.