Guidebook to Te Aroha
Keen for a hike?
Mount Te Aroha is the beginning of the Kaimai Mamaku National Forest Park and has extensive hiking trails throughout, all maintained by the Department of Conservation. Purchase a map from the Te Aroha I-Site for just $2 to plan your trip, whether its to summit the mountain or to view the historic gold mines of the Wairongomai Valley.
The wetlands is a reserve administered by NZ Fish and Game Council. It is a pleasant, meandering 3 km walk through native bush, around a wetland area that is a bird reserve. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. A boardwalk out to a maimai is available for the keen bird watchers. The wetlands is a lovely walk frequented by the locals. The walk is flat and has well formed paths.
Howarth Memorial Wetlands
Spur StreetThe wetlands is a reserve administered by NZ Fish and Game Council. It is a pleasant, meandering 3 km walk through native bush, around a wetland area that is a bird reserve. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. A boardwalk out to a maimai is available for the keen bird watchers. The wetlands is a lovely walk frequented by the locals. The walk is flat and has well formed paths.
The Te Aroha Domain is the heart of our town. Here you will find New Zealand's largest example of Edwardian architecture. A visit to the Museum shows how Te Aroha was in its hey day as New Zealand's biggest tourist destination.
For those more adventurous, a hike to the summit of Mount Te Aroha (approximately 3 to 5 hours round trip depending on your fitness level), or if you are short on time, a 30 minute vertical hike to the Whakapipi Lookout (called Bald Spur by the locals) begins from the Domain.
All hikes vary in length from short family friendly waterfall lookouts to the more gruelling and lengthy hikes.
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Te Aroha Domain
Whitaker StreetThe Te Aroha Domain is the heart of our town. Here you will find New Zealand's largest example of Edwardian architecture. A visit to the Museum shows how Te Aroha was in its hey day as New Zealand's biggest tourist destination.
For those more adventurous, a hike to the summit of Mount Te Aroha (approximately 3 to 5 hours round trip depending on your fitness level), or if you are short on time, a 30 minute vertical hike to the Whakapipi Lookout (called Bald Spur by the locals) begins from the Domain.
All hikes vary in length from short family friendly waterfall lookouts to the more gruelling and lengthy hikes.
Time for a soak
Te Aroha has the worlds only hot water soda geyser located in the Te Aroha Domain. The heart of our mountain contains natural soda mineral water, meaning not only is it high in minerals but is naturally carbonated (fizzy). World famous in 1909, visiting our private spa complex wont disappoint.
Te Aroha has the worlds only hot soda water spas. Our water is piped directly form the heart of Mount Te Aroha. It is unique in that not only is it mineral water, but it is naturally carbonated (fizzy). High in Magnesium content, a soak in these world only spas will see you warmed to the core and relaxed for a deep sleep. Best enjoyed just before bed.
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Te Aroha Mineral Spas
Boundary StreetTe Aroha has the worlds only hot soda water spas. Our water is piped directly form the heart of Mount Te Aroha. It is unique in that not only is it mineral water, but it is naturally carbonated (fizzy). High in Magnesium content, a soak in these world only spas will see you warmed to the core and relaxed for a deep sleep. Best enjoyed just before bed.
Cool off in our permanently heated pools. Also located in the Domain the pools are a great spot for the family to unwind. An outdoor spa is also available and some of the best toddler friendly facilities.
Swim Zone Te Aroha
Te Aroha Domain, Off Boundary StCool off in our permanently heated pools. Also located in the Domain the pools are a great spot for the family to unwind. An outdoor spa is also available and some of the best toddler friendly facilities.
Food scene
Te Aroha has many great eateries and with a variety of dine in or takeaway.
An ideally located cafe on the corner of our main street, opposite the town clock. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a varied menu.
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Ironique Cafe
159 Whitaker StAn ideally located cafe on the corner of our main street, opposite the town clock. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a varied menu.
A quaint old villa now restored and bought to life as our local health shop. Has a range of gluten free, dairy free, vegan, sugar free and other health foods available.
Is also open for breakfast and lunch most days and during the summer some nights for dinner. (ring to check first).
Villa Nine are locally owned and run by a family of foodies. Well worth a visit.
Villa Nine
9 Lawrence AveA quaint old villa now restored and bought to life as our local health shop. Has a range of gluten free, dairy free, vegan, sugar free and other health foods available.
Is also open for breakfast and lunch most days and during the summer some nights for dinner. (ring to check first).
Villa Nine are locally owned and run by a family of foodies. Well worth a visit.
Located at the top of the Domain, over looking the historic croquet greens, the Domain Cottage Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch only. Enjoy great food with a view.
Domain Cottage Cafe
1B Whitaker StLocated at the top of the Domain, over looking the historic croquet greens, the Domain Cottage Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch only. Enjoy great food with a view.
Looking for a fast and tasty option? Dine in or takeaway, Taj Indian food is a local favourite. Winner of the 2019 Business Awards and Customer Service award, if you are a fan of Indian Food this is a must visit.
Taj Indian Restaurant And Takeaway
120 Whitaker StLooking for a fast and tasty option? Dine in or takeaway, Taj Indian food is a local favourite. Winner of the 2019 Business Awards and Customer Service award, if you are a fan of Indian Food this is a must visit.
Get on yer Bike
Te Aroha is central to the Hauraki Rail Trail, one of New Zealands few Grae 1 rides, meaning all flat and sealed, suitable for riders of all ages and stages. Littered with coffee stops along the way the trail starts at Kaiaua and includes the townships of Thames, Paeroa, Waihi and Matamata. Te Aroha is the perfect spot to overnight in your adventure with our world famous hot mineral soda spas creating a relaxing end to your day.
Te Aroha is centrally located on the Hauraki Rail Trail Cycleway that runs from Kaiaua, Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, Te Aroha and Matamata. A grade 1 trail (meaning its flat and wide and suitable for cyclists of all abilities), the start/end of the trail in Te Aroha is found at the Historic Railway Station on Burgess Street.
Rail Trail
37 Burgess StTe Aroha is centrally located on the Hauraki Rail Trail Cycleway that runs from Kaiaua, Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, Te Aroha and Matamata. A grade 1 trail (meaning its flat and wide and suitable for cyclists of all abilities), the start/end of the trail in Te Aroha is found at the Historic Railway Station on Burgess Street.
The newly formed Te Aroha BMX club has a competition grade track open all hours to the public. Have a go at the jumps and humpity bumps for a laugh. A great place to while away some time with the kids. Located in Boyd Park, our local footy grounds, netball courts, tennis and squash club and Indoor Events Centre.
Te Aroha BMX Club
Spur StreetThe newly formed Te Aroha BMX club has a competition grade track open all hours to the public. Have a go at the jumps and humpity bumps for a laugh. A great place to while away some time with the kids. Located in Boyd Park, our local footy grounds, netball courts, tennis and squash club and Indoor Events Centre.
A bit of Culture
Browse our unique shops or visit local artists galleries and the Te Aroha museum which provides and insightful look into Te Aroha's colourful past, based around gold and hot water.. Perfect for a rainy day.
Adrian designs sculptures from recycled and reused farm tools, implements and scrap metal. An award winning artist some of Adrians sculptures are found in our main street. Adrian''s Gallery is seldomly open as he is busy creating but well worth a stroll past on the off chance he is around. Adrian does take groups tours and his phone number to arrange is located on the Gallery building, should you consider a tour. Minimum numbers may apply.
Art Gallery Adrian Worsley
62 Rewi StAdrian designs sculptures from recycled and reused farm tools, implements and scrap metal. An award winning artist some of Adrians sculptures are found in our main street. Adrian''s Gallery is seldomly open as he is busy creating but well worth a stroll past on the off chance he is around. Adrian does take groups tours and his phone number to arrange is located on the Gallery building, should you consider a tour. Minimum numbers may apply.
Also located in the Domain, our local Museum tells the story of Te Aroha - its birth and its fame in the heights of gold mining and hot water.
If the weather is looking a bit sad for an outdoor adventure, this is well worth a visit.
Te Aroha & Districts Museum
102 Whitaker StAlso located in the Domain, our local Museum tells the story of Te Aroha - its birth and its fame in the heights of gold mining and hot water.
If the weather is looking a bit sad for an outdoor adventure, this is well worth a visit.
Night life
Head to where the locals hang out and get amoungst the friendlies with a cold beverage to relax after your day of adventure..
An old historic pub, located opposite the Domain at the South end of town. Where a few of the locals hang out and is home to the Te Aroha Hunting and Fishing Club.
The Grand Tavern
81 Whitaker StAn old historic pub, located opposite the Domain at the South end of town. Where a few of the locals hang out and is home to the Te Aroha Hunting and Fishing Club.
Usually serving a good home cooked meal and a few pokies, the RSA is a friendly place where all are welcome.
Te Aroha Memorial RSA Club Inc
67 Rewi StUsually serving a good home cooked meal and a few pokies, the RSA is a friendly place where all are welcome.
The locals favourite hang out. Known for a great menu and a cold beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), the Duck and Cover is our local meeting spot. With a garden bar, live music and open mic sessions on a Sunday afternoon and a wicked quiz night on Wednesdays your bound to find most of the locals here at some point or other. Also family friendly. If you are deciding where to go - this is the top of the list.
The Duck and Cover
The locals favourite hang out. Known for a great menu and a cold beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), the Duck and Cover is our local meeting spot. With a garden bar, live music and open mic sessions on a Sunday afternoon and a wicked quiz night on Wednesdays your bound to find most of the locals here at some point or other. Also family friendly. If you are deciding where to go - this is the top of the list.
City/town information
Te Aroha is a unique town with a quirky relaxed atmosphere. Most visitors come to Te Aroha for our outdoor adventure - biking the Hauraki Rail Trail, hiking to the summit of Mount Te Aroha, kayaking the Waihou River or adventuring around the lower hiking tracks of our Mountain of Love. This is usually followed by a relaxing soak in the Hot Soda Mineral Spas and a meander around our shops.
Locals are friendly and welcoming and love to hear how your visit to our town has been.
Any information about the town and its facilities is available at our Te Aroha I-site, located in the Te Aroha Domain at the South end of the main street.
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Te Aroha
Te Aroha is a unique town with a quirky relaxed atmosphere. Most visitors come to Te Aroha for our outdoor adventure - biking the Hauraki Rail Trail, hiking to the summit of Mount Te Aroha, kayaking the Waihou River or adventuring around the lower hiking tracks of our Mountain of Love. This is usually followed by a relaxing soak in the Hot Soda Mineral Spas and a meander around our shops.
Locals are friendly and welcoming and love to hear how your visit to our town has been.
Any information about the town and its facilities is available at our Te Aroha I-site, located in the Te Aroha Domain at the South end of the main street.