Walks

		Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain - Whitaker St.
		Pick up a guide from i-SITE and stroll around the charming Edwardian Domain. Walk back in time to the late nineteenth century when the medical benefits from bathing, as well as drinking the waters from geothermal springs were highly regarded. The route shown is a suggested walk and has information on key buildings and facilities in the Domain, the most prominent of which is the old Cadman bath house. The individual baths and porcelain toilets were of a very high quality and reflected the level of comfort provided in the building. Today this grand old bath house is home to the Museum.

		Te Aroha and District Museum
		Established in1971 and is cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers who can bring to life for visitors, the memories of a bygone age in Te Aroha. The displays of hydrotherapy equipment, Te Aroha Domain China and a collection of ‘Lemon & Te Aroha’ bottles are among the many fascinating treasures to be found. Open 7 days.

		Mokena Geyser
		From the Domain gates on Whitaker St, walk through the park up to behind the Spa Pools. From a depth of approximately 70 metres, the Geyser provides a source of crystal clear hot soda water and geysers at around 40 minute intervals. It is named after the Maori chief, Mokena Te Hau who once owned the Domain land. His memorial Cairn is next to the No.8 Drinking Fountain (currently out of use).

		No. 8 Drinking Fountain (currently out of use)
		‘Taste the Waters.’ An octagonal pavilion is built over this cold soda spring renowned by some locals for aiding digestion. It goes equally well with lemon and a dash of something more...

		Lower Domain Walk (20min 1 way)
		Beginning at the Mokena Geyser this is a lovely short bush land walk suitable for pushchair/wheelchair access. Pass the No.20 – iron spring and No.21 – magnesia spring and finish at the Te Aroha Leisure Pools.

		Upper Domain Walk (25min 1 way)
		This walk begins on the Whakapipi (Bald Spur) track and features a large kauri tree. You then branch off to the right past an old water reservoir, through the bush and link up with the Lower Domain Walk at the No.21 magnesia spring.

		Reservoir Loop walk (25 min return)
		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.

		Howarth Memorial Wetland Loop Walk (1 hour circuit)
		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 Kenwyn Reserve on Kenrick St.

		Tui Domain Track (1 hour 30 minutes 1 way)
		Starting at the Mokena Geyser this track takes you through regenerating bush and shallow mountain streams. There is a 5 minute detour to a waterfall lookout before reaching the junction with the Tui Link track and finally emerging on to Tui Road, near the tailings dam.

		Whakapipi (Bald Spur Lookout – 45 mins up – 30mins down)
		Starting at the Mokena Geyser the track zigzags its way through mature pines and puriri which were planted in the early 1900’s. The lookout provides a stunning view of Te Aroha township, the wetlands, river and beyond.

		Te Aroha Mountain Summit (2.5 hours 1 way, 4 hours return)
		Starting at the Mokena Geyser, the track continues up beyond the lookout across a small saddle then rises steeply to the summit (952m). The track is well defined and there are steps on the steep sections. As the track climbs the forest changes with windswept vegetation near the summit. From the top the 360 degree view is spectacular with Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki visible on a fine day.

		Waiorongomai Valley
		Spend and hour or a whole day exploring the extensive network of tracks in the valley. Follow NZ”s oldest tramline and discover historic gold mining sites with much restorative work done by DOC.

		Wairere Falls
		20 minute drive south of Te Aroha. From the car park at Goodwin Rd the picturesque track features mossy green boulders and bridged mountain stream crossings. Walk 45 minutes to the viewing platform and see the spectacular 153m, two stage drop. The track continues another 45 minutes up to a lookout platform at the top of the falls. There is a magnificent view looking back over the valley and the Waikato Plains.

Check out www.doc.govt.nz for many more tracks in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park.
Call in at i-SITE for your DOC map and hut passes.