Te Aroha
Introduction
At 952 metres Mount Te Aroha is the highest point in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. There are a number of different tracks up and around this distinctive mountain.
Te Aroha township was developed during the 1880s as a spa town and there are 22 springs in the area, 15 of which are hot. The domain at Te Aroha still retains the look of Edwardian times and visitors can experience stepping back in time. Many of the old bathhouse buildings remain and the formal gardens have only been altered slightly.
Location
Te Aroha township is located 53 kilometres from Hamilton at the base of Mount Te Aroha.
Features
Mount Te Aroha, near Tauranga
Far back in time Mount Te Aroha gained its name in Maori legend. One story 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. There are other legends relating to the naming of the mountain.
The Tui Mine area, on the northern slops of the mountain, was mined to provide lead flux for the Waiorongomai smelters. However, the ore contained too much zinc to be of use. In the 1960s the area was extensively mined by the venture failed due to mercury contamination of the ore. The most significant result of this period is the presence of the large tailings heap on the site. The tailings amount to approximately 100,000 tonnes. The combination of high heavy metal concentration, porous tailings and acidic leachate has created an inhospitable environment where plants have been unable to establish.
Traces of gold were discovered on Mount Te Aroha in 1880. Prospectors burnt much of the native vegetation looking for a gold bearing reef, which was never found. Their attention turned to Waiorongomai when Buck Reef was discovered.
Tracks and walks
There are a number of different tracks up and around Mt Te Aroha and the Waiorongomai valley. Choose 1-2 hour walks, or combine several listed here for a full and challenging day's walk.
Challenging routes in the Waiorongomai Valley and near Mount Te Aroha. These should only be attempted by experienced trampers.
Plan and prepare
Dogs, horses, vehicles (including bicycles and motorbikes), fires, removal of plants or
animals, camping or hunting are not permitted.
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