Te Aroha
Also known as Aroha ki tai
Te Aroha is a volcanic peak in Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park that provides the opportunity for a good rigorous day walk. There are a number of routes available and we describe two alternatives (returning by the same, or a different path) that walkers can try. At the end of the tramp, walkers can relax in the hot springs at Te Aroha and ease away their aches and pains!
Maori Legend
The translation of Te Aroha’s alternative name, Aroha ki tai, relates to one story that tells how the Arawa chief, Kahumatamomoe, was on his way home from visiting a kinsman at Kaipara. As was the habit of this explorer, he ascended to the highest possible point along the way. As he stood on top of the mountain, he decided to name it ?Aroha ki tai?. This was an expression of his love for his father, who was buried on Mount Moehau and his family who lived at Maketu.
| List Status | Official |
| Elevation | 952 m (3,123 ft) |
| Location/List | North Island, New Zealand |
| Region | Waikato/Coromandel |
| Location Coordinates | 37° 32′ 1″ S, 175° 44′ 32″ E |
| Nearest Town/s | Te Aroha, Hamilton
|
| Range | Kaimai-Mamaku |
| Geology | Volcano |
| Translation | te: the; aroha: love |
| Recommended Route | |
|---|---|
Duration  |
6 hours (return) |
| Distance | 3.2 km (2 mi) |
| Start/End Points | Te Aroha Domain |
| Difficulty |
Medium |
| Track conditions |
Track, Mud, Steep embankments |
| Season |
All year |
| Sights | Bush, Communications equipment(!) , lookout with views of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, waterfall, historic mining, explosives store |
| Hazards | High slippery underfoot |
Getting There
By Car
Once in Te Aroha, head for the Te Aroha Domain (off Whitaker Street). The walk to Te Aroha Peak starts from behind Mokena Geyser.
Public Transport
Te Aroha is a small town and can be reached by the general public bus service. Check out your options at Intercity.
Google Earth Map
- You can also
view Te Aroha in Google Earth
NZ Topographic Map
Our Recommended Route
From Te Aroha Domain, take the track which goes up to the Whakapipi/ Baldspur Lookout. The track goes uphill and passes through puriri trees and radiata plantations. On the way there are plenty of places to rest. At the lookout there are good views of Te Aroha and the surrounding countryside.
From the lookout the track continues onwards. It dips through a small saddle and then climbs to the summit (952 m). On the way up, the track becomes steep and the vegetation changes as you increase in altitude. The view from the summit affords 360? views over the Kaimai Ranges and the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Taranaki are visible on a clear day.
From the summit you can either return to Te Aroha via the track you came up on, or take the Ridge Track/Tui Track back to the domain.
If you take the Ridge/Tui Tracks, the path descends by a combination of track and steps. Dog Kennel flat is reached after approximately 20 minutes, and shortly after this is an intersection where you must follow the Ridge track to Tui Saddle junction. Continue on past the Tui mines, where you can see old mine workings. The track also passes an old explosives store and crosses the mountain road, before joining the Tui Domain Track. Follow this track back to Te Aroha Domain.
Route Options
Options include-
- Walking from Te Aroha Domain up to the summit via Whakapipi/ Baldspur Lookout and back the same way.
- Walking from Te Aroha Domain up to the summit Whakapipi/ Baldspur Lookout and taking the Ridge Track/Tui Track back to the domain.
Height Profile
