In Maori legend. Te Mamoe, son of a Bay of Plenty chief, climbed to the summit of the mountain. He was overjoyed to see in the distance the familiar landmarks of his tribal home. He uttered the words, "This mountain shall be called the Mountain of Aroha. Herein shall repose forever the great love of Te Mamoe". The legend continues that in time the spirit of Te Mamoe caused a stream of crystal water to flow from the heart of his mountain.Where the stream emerged there appeared hot springs, endowed with healing qualities. A clear pool in the cleft of a rock was known as the "Mirror of Te Mamoe" and became a wishing well for newly married couples.
When the curative value of the spring water was discovered by Europeans, a bore was sunk on the site of this pool, resulting in a geyser of hot soda water ... the only one of its kind in the world. It has been named the Mokena Geyser, in honour of the Maori chief who once owned the land on which Te Aroha grew and who proved a generous and honoured friend to the pakeha.
The mountain summit can be reached by walking tracks or by the Mountain Turtle bus that makes regular trips, weather permitting. The panoramic views from the summit are some of the most spectacular in the country. On a clear day Mt Taranaki (Egmont), the peaks of the National Park, the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, White Island, Mt Maunganui and stretches of the Bay of Plenty can be seen clearly.
The mountain is now part of the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park.

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The Hot Mineral Spa.

The famed waters of the Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain are situated at the top of the park and enjoyed by people of all ages. Te Aroha's mineral water rates as some of the hottest in New Zealand at 38-41°C. Open every day except Christmas Day from 12 noon till 9pm the spas are very popular.

Bookings are advisable,
and may be made via the office phone (64)(07) 884 8717.

A bird avairy, children's adventure playground, skating rink, beautiful ponds to sit and enjoy, bowling and croquet greens are all situated within the grounds of the Domain.

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Waiorongomai Goldfield.

Gold was discovered in the Waiorongomai Valley just south of Te Aroha in 1880 and a gold rush ensued. Although the early enthusiasm faded and little is left to show present day visitors the large scale of the mining operations, the atmosphere and relics remain. Today the area is renowned for its walking tracks and breathtaking scenery.

Maps and information can be obtained from the Department of Conservation Te Aroha Field Office, phone (64)(07) 884 9303.

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St Mark's Pipe Organ.

Built in 1712 for Queen Anne, Renatus Harris' masterpiece was one of 10 commissioned by the queen and is the oldest pipe organ in the southern hemisphere. It is the only one of the ten still fully operational and features beautiful oak carving by Grinling Gibbons on the casework. Brought to New Zealand in 1927 by Maud Elizabeth St Barbe Wayne as a gift for St Mark's Church, the organ was restored to its original grandeur in 1985. This exquisite instrument is used regularly for demonstration concerts and services.

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Waihou River.

This beautiful waterway passes through the centre of Te Aroha and was once a busy means of transport especially during the gold mining days. Today it is a popular fishing river and is unique in New Zealand as the only place where trout can be taken using bait.
Jet boat rides up the river are a popular feature.

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Howarth Wetlands Reserve.

Developed over many years and now extending along a large area of the river bank in the centre of Te Aroha. Raised walkways and special viewing areas allow the visitor to be part of the wetland habitat and give an opportunity for viewing a wide range of native birdlife.

Guides are available and recommended.
Phone Information Te Aroha (64)(07) 884 8052.

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Garden & Farm Tours.

The gardens of Te Aroha area are justly famed as is the town's floral festival held every two years. Te Aroha is set in the midst of some of the finest farmland in New Zealand.

Garden tours and farm visits can be arranged through,
Information Te Aroha, phone (64)(07) 884 8052.

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Information Services.

There is so much to see and do in Te Aroha that it is best to contact Information Te Aroha on (64)(07) 884 8052 for details of what to do, where to go and where to stay. It is literally a "one stop information shop", located at the southern end of Whitaker Street, the main throughfare of the town and open daily except Christmas Day, Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday Sunday and public holidays 10am - 3pm.

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Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park.

Extending from Karangakake Gorge near Paeroa, southward to the Mamaku Plateau, the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park gives protection to the rugged bush covered ranges for soil, water, ecological, scenic and recreational values. Human activity throughout the ranges from early Maori to the present has left a vast historical legacy including old Maori trails and sites, early coach routes, gold mining relics and logging remains, amongst others. Many of these remains contribute to a developed network of walking tracks and sites offering a variety of places for people to visit.
Activities available include short walks, picnic sites, swimming, camping, sightseeing, tramping, huts, outdoor education, hunting. People may freely enter the park at any time but hut fees are payable and permits are required when taking in animals and for hunting.

Detailed information about the park is available from the Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 230, Te Aroha and Information Te Aroha, Whitaker Street, Te Aroha.

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SHORT WALKS
(coming next)
WAIRERE FALLS VIEW TRACK
RAPURAPU KAURI WALK
TUAHU TRACK
TE AROHA MOUNTAIN
WAIRONGOMAI GOLDFIELDS
KARANGAHAKE WALKWAY

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Go to the short intro for Te Aroha.