The Hauraki Rail Trail

We took our bikes to the Firth Tower just outside Matamata and cycled the Hauraki Trail back to Te Aroha. This is the only part of the trail we haven't cycled before. It is mostly flat and goes through farmland.

The Firth Tower complex has overnight parking for motorhomes so when we got back to Te Aroha we drove the bus back and spent the night there.

We were glad of our e-bikes as it was windy and the wind was against us.

We passed some pretty buildings in the little settlements and had lunch at a roadside cafe.

 

Thames and Te Aroha

First stop today (after coffee) was the Thames School of Mines. This museum tells the story of the school, set up by the government after the gold rush days. It is in the original old buildings and was well worth the visit.

The pink and white rock was from the pink and white terraces, pre eruption.

Next stop was Te Aroha, where we are stopped for the night. After lunch we headed to the hot pools for a soak. Te Aroha was developed as a spa town in the Victorian/Edwardian era and the domain is full of heritage buildings.

Lemon and Te Aroha soda is being made again. It was the first fizzy drink made in the area - before the more famous L&P made in neighbouring Paeroa.

Quirkiness in Te Aroha... and a relaxing soak.

 

A more watery day

Three of us visited Te Aroha on a cloudy day. First we went around the wetlands where we saw ducks and swans...

and a piano beneath the trees.

It was a bit English with the exotic (non-native) trees.

Te Aroha's Domain is Edwardian and always pretty despite the grey skies.

We checked out the hot pools...

...including the recently renovated bath house number 2. These are mineral pools and good for the skin. Also a relaxing change from all our walking and cycling. 

Te Aroha and Paeroa

Another sunny, clear, cold day. After leaving Rotorua our first stop was Te Aroha where e headed to the hot pools for a soak.

Our favourite pool is just out of sight, in front of the little building. It's like a big spa pool and is the hottest.

We had hoped to have a session in the recently restored Edwardian bath house but it was fully booked.

The buildings and layout of the Domain reflect the prosperity Te Aroha enjoyed in Edwardian times, when it was a popular spa town.

Just down the road is Paeroa, where we parked for the night beside the rail trail.

Another town full of antique shops...

We spent a quiet evening at Paeroa before heading home, our first trip in the new bus completed.