Translating to “the love” in the native Maori language, Te Aroha is a charming city in the foothills of Mount Te Arona. From the Hauraki Rail Trail to strolling Main Street for antiques and espresso breaks, Te Ahora offers a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature.

Things to do

Get a feel for the city with a leisurely walk downtown, which is full of antique stores. You’ll find recycled wine barrels and vintage treasures at Restorations and intricate scrap-metal iron sculptures at Historic Creations. Don’t miss seeing original felt designs from merino wool at Raewyn Penrose Originals gallery.

In addition to hosting the south trailhead of the Hauraki Rail Trail for cycling, the Mount Te Aroha Summit Track numerous hiking trails. After trekking for about 45 minutes to Whakapipi Lookout, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Hauraki Plains.

In a practice known as “taking the waters”, visitors flock to the area’s mineral spas. Edwardian Hot Springs Domain provides private soaking tubs, massages, aromatherapy and natural beauty therapy. You can also receive spa treatments at Mokena Geyser, a soda geyser shooting water three metres high approximately every 40 minutes.

Stop at Taupo Museum to view Maori art before having lunch at Domain Cottage Café, a favourite with locals and cyclers. In the evening, splurge on fine dining at Berlusconi, a restaurant and bar known for chocolate-dipping pots and New Zealand wines.

Getting There

Te Aroha sits about 130 kilometres from Auckland Airport, where you can rent a car or take a shuttle. Adventure-based transportation providers offer rides and bike transfers to the trails, while buses and taxis operate within the city.