Te Aroha

Te Aroha is a rural town in the Thames Valley region of New Zealand with a population of 3,768 (2006 census). It is 53km northeast of Hamilton and 50 kilometres south of Thames. The name 'Te Aroha' comes from the Māori name of Mount Te Aroha. In one version, Rāhiri climbed the mountain and saw his homeland in the distance and felt a sense of love ("aroha") for it. The name is often rendered in English as 'place of love'.

Economy

Te Aroha is at the centre of a dairy farming community and much of its economic activity is in serving that community. Tourism is also taking off in Te Aroha.

Geography

The Waihou River runs through Te Aroha. Close by to the east is the base of the Kaimai Ranges, and the town is overlooked by the 952-metre Mount Te Aroha. To the north of the town is the low-lying, swampy land of the Hauraki Plains. In the late 19th century, Te Aroha was famed as a spa town. Thermal and mineral springs are both found close to the centre of the town, as is the world's only hot soda water geyser (Mokena).

External links

* [http://www.tearohanz.co.nz/ Te Aroha i-SITE Visitor Centre]
* [http://www.tearohapools.co.nz Te Aroha Pools]
* [http://www.tearoha-museum.com/ Te Aroha Museum Website]