Easter fun aplenty in Katikati and Waihī Beach this long weekend

Katikati and Waihī Beach have a full programme of Easter activities lined up for whānau of all ages across the long weekend. Katikati Lions Club is hosting its first-ever Easter Bonnet Extravaganza on Easter Saturday, 4 April, at Katikati War Memorial Hall from 9am until midday. Organiser Jo Hurne is encouraging people to register in advance through The Arts Junction, though late entries will also be accepted on the day.

The competition is split into four categories: Little Bunnies (children 10 and under), Creative Teens (aged 11–17, with a $200 first prize), Master Makers (18-plus, $300 top prize), and the Katikati Lions Supreme Award, open to any entrant and worth $400. Hurne is hoping for outrageous creations and urges competitors to get creative with feathers, glitter, fabric and anything that lends structure to a headpiece. Live buskers, food vendors and a coffee cart will keep the atmosphere lively.

On Easter Sunday, 5 April, Katikati Bird Gardens hosts its 22nd annual Easter egg hunt from midday to 4pm. Dozens of coloured balls are hidden throughout the 10-acre gardens; children swap a found ball for a chocolate Easter egg at the café. A secret number of pink rabbits are also hidden — those who count them correctly go in the draw to win a giant egg, and Binky the Easter Egg Bunny will be on hand for photos.

Over at Waihī Beach, the Easter Weekend Colour Hunt runs from 3 to 6 April, inviting locals and visitors to photograph coastal scenes in a chosen colour and submit six images by Easter Monday evening for a chance to win spot prizes. There is also a Pop-Up Market on 4 April (10am–2pm) and a Holistic Wellbeing Expo on Easter Sunday (10am–3pm), both free and held at the Beach Rd community centre.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).