Coastal Bay of Plenty
TAURANGA THE PERFECT BLEND OF CITY AND LAID-BACK LIFESTYLE RIGHT NEXT TO THE BEACH.
Katikati Sculpture, Katikati © Tourism Bay of Plenty
K
nown as New Zealand’s mural town, Katikati has around 60 pieces of art depicting the people and events that have shaped the place. Take a guided mural tour at the weekend, snap a selfie with ‘Barry’, a typical Kiwi bloke reading his newspaper and marvel at the other sculptures.
Museum for local history. Visit in summer for the popular Twilight Concerts; spread out a rug, unpack your picnic and relax for some great Saturday night entertainment.
Don’t forget to visit The Wine Portfolio Cellar Door to taste the finest selection of wines, or drive the Katikati Cuisine Trail to meet 10 local artisans and try their fare. Pop into the Katikati Information Centre on Main Road for more details.
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TAURANGA
sheltered anchorage • 65km N of Rotorua
140 McLaren Falls Road, Tauranga
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There are lots of unique attractions here. Soak in a thermal pool at Sapphire Springs while listening to tūī sing, stroll around the Katikati Bird Gardens and admire the camellias and magnolias. Check out the Western Bay
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The Haiku Pathway, the only one outside of Japan, winds past Uretara Stream and features more than 40 haiku poems carved into river boulders.
Katikati’s prosperity owes much to horticulture. Avocados, kiwifruit, nashi pears, citrus fruit, flowers and vegetables are all grown here, and you can meet the locals and stock up on provisions at the local market every Friday from 4-6pm at the A&P Showgrounds.
HAVE YOU TRIED RIVER BUGGING?
KATIKATI 40km N of Tauranga Sapphire Springs Holiday Park & Thermal Pools Family-owned holiday park. 32ha native bush haven with stream. Choice of motel units, camp sites, bungalow, lodge and cabins. Motorhomes welcome. Features: Warm thermal pools and hot tubs, playground, BBQs, camp store and more. 5km from Katikati at foot of Kaimai Ranges. Come for the day and play, or stay for a relaxing holiday. Tariff: Camping from $20. Lodge/cabins from $60. Motels from $130 (2 persons). Bungalow from $360 (12 persons). Check website for day rates.
274 Hot Springs Rd, RD 2, Katikati Ph: +64 7 549 0768 Email: info@sapphiresprings.nz www.sapphiresprings.nz
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Katikati
Sapphire Springs
Pacifica Golf
To Tauranga
• Playground • Picnic area • Flying fox • Pony rides • Underground springs • Eel swirl • Hand-feed the animals • Refreshments available • Short walk to Falls Café And much much more! Walk or drive.
www.marshallsanimalpark.co.nz PH: +64 7 543 3734 • WITHIN McLAREN FALLS PARK Open all weekends, Public & School Holidays 10am-4.30pm • Other Times: Wed -Fri 10am-2pm PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP
