Te Aroha: A Historic Tourist Town
Te Aroha, meaning "the love," is one of New Zealand's earliest tourist destinations. Located below the Kaimai Range in the Waikato, this charming town is known for its hot pools and the unique sculptures of local artist Adrian Worsely. Te Aroha also offers direct access to Mount Te Aroha, the highest point of the Kaimai Range at 953 metres. The town is also a popular stop for cyclists on the Hauraki Rail Trail. The town has good facilities for visitors, with a range of accommodation, including a holiday park, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Hiking Mount Te Aroha
For those interested in hiking, Mount Te Aroha presents a rewarding challenge. The hike involves a 750-metre vertical climb from the domain, and it is advisable to allocate about six hours for the round trip. For a shorter trek, the Whakapipi viewpoint offers a steep 200-metre climb on the same track. On hot days, it is essential to carry plenty of water and food if you plan to reach the summit.
Alternative Routes and Historic Trails
Beyond the main track, there are alternative routes to the summit through the historic gold trails in the Waiorongomai Valley, located to the southwest of the town. These paths require even more time for a return trip but offer a look back into the area's rich mining history.
How to Get There
Te Aroha sits on State Highway 26 at can be reached from multiple directions. Paeroa, at the entrance to the Karangahake Gorge, is to the north, and Hamilton is to the southwest on the highway, while Matamata is to the southeast on State Highway 27. From Auckland, the trip takes just under 2 hours.
There are numerous nearby activities, in addition to Mount Te Aroha. The highest waterfall in the North Island, Wairere Falls, is 20 minutes away, followed by Hobbiton. To the north, there are numerous places to explore around the Karangahake Gorge, including the Windows Walk, Victoria Battery and Owharoa Falls.
