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Katikati’s History
Katikati was settled in 1875 by settlers from County Tyrone in Ireland through the Orange Institution. The settlement was established by the Irishman George Vesey Stewart, who led two groups of settlers there aboard the ships Carisbrook Castle (1875) and Lady Jocelyn (1878). The land upon which the town was built was bought from local Maori and was given to the settlers by the Central Government.
The settlement was formed from two distinct groups "the settlers useful and the settlers ornamental" referring to the tenant farmers and those with wealth. The settlement managed to withstand early economic problems and developed into a healthy town, based around farming and agriculture. To find out more about Katikati yesterday and today, visit the website www.katikati.co.nz.
Whether it's the tastes of the area's renowned horticultural products or spending time strolling the many unique walking tracks, the Katikati area offers something for everyone.
Katikati is known for its many murals painted on walls of commercial buildings, started in the 1990s as a project to re-generate tourist interest in Katikati and the District. The effort was recognised with the New Zealand's 'Most Beautiful Small Town' award for towns of less that 8,000 population in 2005 by the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Society.
To find out more visit the Katikati Visitor Information Centre, which offers an extensive range of information about Katikati and the wider Bay of Plenty region. You can pick up visitor information and material regarding accommodation, shops and services as well as local and regional events. The Katikati Visitor Information Centre is open 9am-4.30pm Mon-Fri and 9.30am-2pm Sat & Sun (closing time flexible to accommodate visitor demand).
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