Located towards the northern end of Tauranga Harbour, 40 kilometres northwest of Tauranga, Katikati offers a lifestyle that combines rural charm, coastal convenience and a strong sense of community. This growing Bay of Plenty town is home to a population of approximately 11,000 people and continues to attract families, retirees, professionals and lifestyle property buyers looking for a more relaxed pace of life.

Known as New Zealand’s mural town and recognised as the “Avocado Capital of New Zealand”, Katikati has built a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere, thriving horticulture industry and beautiful natural surroundings.

With easy access to beaches, walking tracks, local markets and nearby centres like Waihi Beach, Bowentown and Tauranga, it’s easy to see why so many people are making the move to Katikati.

Who Lives in Katikati?

Katikati appeals to a wide range of residents, from young families and first-home buyers through to retirees and those seeking lifestyle properties with more space and privacy.

The surrounding horticultural industry, particularly kiwifruit and avocado growing, also contributes strongly to the local economy and community identity.

Katikati has a slightly older population demographic compared to many larger urban centres, with a median resident age of 51 years, contributing to the town’s relaxed pace of life and strong community atmosphere.

Education

Katikati offers several schooling options for local families, including both primary and secondary education, such as Katikati Primary School, Katikati College which caters for Year 7-13, Matahui School, Pahoia Primary School and various early childhood education centres and kindergartens such as BestStart, Busy Bees and Katikids early Child Centre.

For families wanting additional schooling options, Tauranga is also within commuting distance, offering access to a wider range of private and secondary schools.

Cafés, Dining and Shopping

Katikati’s town centre offers a relaxed mix of cafés, eateries, boutique shopping and local artisan businesses.  Popular local cafes for coffee and brunch include Common Ground, CHROME Café, Robert Harris and Debrief Café.  The Talisman Hotel & Restaurant is a longstanding local dining destination offering relaxed meals, a garden bar and a classic country-town atmosphere. La Cibo is a newer Italian Restaurant, bringing authentic Italian dining to the heart of Katikati.

Katikati is also home to boutique stores, fresh produce stalls, garden centres and artisan businesses, with the town’s horticultural roots strongly reflected throughout the local community. Residents can enjoy locally grown avocados, kiwifruit and seasonal produce, while still being within easy reach of larger retail centres in Tauranga.

Leisure and Lifestyle

One of Katikati’s biggest drawcards is its lifestyle. The area offers a mix of rural landscapes, harbour views, coastline access and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it ideal for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.

Popular activities in and around Katikati include:

  • Walking and cycling tracks
  • Beach trips to nearby Waihi Beach
  • Boating and fishing
  • Golf courses
  • Swimming at Sapphire Springs
  • Exploring local reserves and parks
  • Weekend markets and community events

Community and Local Events

Katikati has a strong sense of community and is well known for its calendar of local events, arts culture and horticultural identity.

One of the town’s most iconic annual events is the Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival, which celebrates the region’s avocado-growing roots with live music, food vendors, local wine, cooking demonstrations and entertainment. The event regularly attracts visitors from across the Bay of Plenty and beyond.

The town is also widely recognised for its public mural art trail, with colourful murals spread throughout the township showcasing local history, culture and creativity - an iconic part of the town’s identity and tourism appeal. This strong arts presence contributes to Katikati’s unique character and community pride.

Other popular local events and attractions include:

  • Katikati Twilight Markets
  • Community markets and artisan stalls
  • Local horticultural and seasonal events
  • Sporting clubs and community fundraisers
  • Arts exhibitions and performances at The Arts Junction
  • Nearby events and beach activities at Waihi Beach, especially during the summer months.

Property and Real Estate

Katikati offers a diverse range of property options, from established family homes and modern residential subdivisions through to lifestyle blocks, rural properties and horticultural land, which make up a significant part of the local market. The town’s affordable housing and well-serviced local amenities also make it an appealing option for both first home buyers looking to enter the market and downsizers seeking a more relaxed pace of life. Over the past 12 months, REINZ data shows the average residential asking price sits at approximately $720,000, with around 10 homes sold in the township each month.

Residential housing throughout Katikati spans a wide range of eras, with many established homes built between the 1960s and early 2000s, alongside newer developments continuing to emerge around the township and surrounding areas. According to recent market data, the median sale price in Katikati sits at approximately $800,000 (realestate.co.nz).

Why Choose Katikati?

Katikati offers a unique lifestyle that blends rural charm, community connection and everyday convenience. If you’re looking for a family-friendly community, a slower pace of life, easier access to nature, more space and privacy or simply looking for a lifestyle property, speak to one of our local EVES Katikati salespeople today.

With beautiful surroundings, strong community spirit and growing buyer interest, it’s easy to understand why more people are choosing to call Katikati home.

Whether you’re buying, selling or simply exploring the area, our team is here to help you discover everything this unique community has to offer.