Day trip to Te Aroha:
an underrated gem,
an Edwardian spa town

Reservoir Loop walk @Freewalks NZ

Follow the Tui Domain track and detour to the No.22 or ‘honeymoon’ spring where newly married couples would dip their wedding ring into the spring to ensure a long and happy marriage.

Continue up around the old town reservoir and return to Domain.

Tui Domain Track @motowalknz

Starting at the Mokena Geyser this track takes you through regenerating bush and shallow mountain streams.
There is a 5 minute detour to the Tutumangao Falls and lookout over the town before reaching the junction with the Tui Link track and finally emerging onto Tui Road, near the tailings dam.

Getting there: Follow the coast road from Kaka Point to the signposted top Kaimātaitai carpark.

Toilets, a viewing site and a picnic area are all nearby. Bring a jacket as it gets windy.

Howarth Memorial Wetland Loop Walk @motowalknz2

Lovely, mostly flat walk around established bird sanctuary, following the Waihou River through one section. Perfect for early morning or evening walks. Access from Spur St or via footbridge at end of Lawrence Ave or by boardwalk at Skidmore Reserve on Kenrick Street.

Bald Spur Track @AllTrails

Starting at the Mokena Geyser, the track zigzags its way through mature pines and pūriri that were planted in the early 1900s.

The Whakapipi lookout provides a stunning view of Te Aroha township, the wetlands, river and beyond.

Mt Aroha Mountain Track (see below) continues on through a saddle and then steeply up for another 2 hr to the summit of Mount Te Aroha.

Footbath in the Domain @iamsugarspanx

Have you found the free foot spa in the Domain.  It is perhaps the most fun thing to do in Te Aroha is to soak your feet in the original Domain foot baths. Located among the mature trees the foot pool is a quiet surprise in the Domain.  At a consistent temperature of approximately 36c the naturally hot soda pool is perfect for soaking the feet. The pool is free.  And the geyser is nearby to have a look at.

Mokena Geyser

A hot soda geyser, a rare natural occurrence and Te Aroha is where it all happens, regularly around one hour intervals the geyser erupts. The world’s only hot soda water geyser is artificially created to provide an outflow for the nearby hot pools. The hot soda water rises from a depth of 70 metres providing crystal clear hot water. The geyser’s name recognises the Maori chief, Mokea Te Hau who gifted the Domain to the public.

Gazebo

Mokena Geyser @ariepo55

A must visit Edwardian feature is the Gazebo. The Edwardian delight formerely housing the number.8 cold natural soda drinking fountain. Don’t miss viewing the Mokea Te Hau’s memorial cairn next to the Gazebo. The Gazebo is now a quiet seating area within the Domain. The aesthetic significance reflects attitudes to medicine and the commercial use of natural resources. It is historically significant for its association with the development of Te Aroha as a spa resort, the popularity of ‘taking the waters’, and attitudes to health and medicine in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century New Zealand.

“As a functioning spring in a public park… to be the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian spa in New Zealand.” The significance of this landscape has been recognised by the NZHPT/Pouhere Taonga in its registration of the Domain as a Historic Area (#7012). Search the List | Gazebo over No 15 Spring.

While in the Domain check out the Edwardian bandstand, a great photo moment with the surrounding mature trees. Do not miss No. 7 Bath House located in the vicinity of Cottage Cafe.

Te Aroha Mineral Spas @tearohamineralspas

Te Aroah Mineral Spas have private spa which are booked in half hour duration slots. The silky smooth soda waters have been used for their therapeutic qualities for more than 100 years.  Part of the ambiance is the nineteenth century style wooden hot tubs where you can adjust your own water temperature. The spa complex also offers spa treatments, such as massages, body wraps and beauty treatments. Every private room has its own ensuite, changing area and ceiling skylight. After each use, the room and spa are cleaned and the water is refreshed. Each spa has both hot and cold taps allowing you to adjust the temperature to suit your needs.

Qualified spa therapists offer a range of luxurious, pampering massage and beauty treatments that will ensure you leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.  Treatments are available:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10.30am to 6.00pm Thursday and Saturday 10.30am to 8pm  Sunday and Public Holidays 10.30am to 6.30pm Bookings are essential.

Te Aroha Mineral Spa is open every day except Christmas Day.

Opening Hours: 10.30am-9pm Monday to Thursday; 10.30am-10pm Friday to Sunday and public holidays.

For spa enthsiastics don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge your senses with number 2 Bath House.  The exquisite Edwardian bath house has been beautifully restored.  While there is an infinity wall and glass viewing panels the bath house has retained its original charm. The temperature of the naturally hot soda water is 70°C and is cooled to 40°C for comfort. Come and experience ‘taking the waters’ how it was 100 years ago. Swim Zone Te Aroha

NOTE: Please note that pools are cleared 15 minutes before closing.

Te Aroha Borough Council Chambers @tourismmedia

The Cadman Bath House is now the Te Aroha Museum. The building was a first for New Zealnd tourism as it was specifically designed to attract visitors to the spa town. The birthplace of New Zealand tourism is an accolade Te Aroha embraces.

Bowling greens and croquet club

Te Aroha i visitor centre is housed in the former Domain office, former Domain Office reflects important and representative aspects of New Zealand history, including civic administration, the role of Domain Boards, and the development of health care and early tourism in New Zealand. Search the List | Domain Office (Former).

Currently operating as a visitor’s centre, it has high potential for public education.

New Zealand’s oldest tourist information bureau @tearohaisite

The Cottage Cafe is occupying the old Gardener’s Cottage. The house is a good example of a “T” plan Edwardian Villa. The interesting feature of this cottage is that it has no projecting bay beneath the gable representing a local variation.

An exterior room was built on the verandah in 1928/9. This was restored by DOC in 1989 and the verandah rebuilt.

The cottage exemplifies the growth and development of the Domain with regard to the need for a resident Head Gardener and its control by the (then) Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. Search the List | Department of Conservation Cottage.

You planned a day trip and Te Aroha wove its magic.

And now you need a place to stay.