Te Aroha - A Short Pitstop

Trip Start Aug 16, 2003
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Trip End Apr 21, 2004


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Sunday, December 14, 2003

When we got out of the car following the drive to Te Aroha, we were instantly hit by the heat and humidity of the day (with the air-con going inside the car, you don't notice this). Our first impressions of Te Aroha were that it was a very pretty settlement, nestled at the foot of the mountain of the same name. There were remnants of the Edwardian era prevalent, which during that time period, served to bring in tourists to the little spa town.

During the afternoon, we wandered down into the domain area which acts as the business and tourist centre of Te Aroha. The park was very neatly landscaped and well maintained and provided pleasant surroundings for a picnic or general lazing around. We decided to investigate the public swimming baths in order to cool off, but were immediately repelled by the hordes of children already there (it was Saturday, after all) Nice One, Geyser!
Nice One, Geyser!
 . With all tolerance for children diminished after 'Wellington' we turned away and spent a while strolling the grounds.

We found the local geyser, and whilst we were waiting for the burst of steaming water from the jet, I took a drink from one of the natural soda water fountains. It was foul! Andrea chickened out of the taste test, while I glugged down mouthfuls of the bottled water that I had brought with me.

We did not have long to wait before the geyser began warning us of an imminent eruption, as gurgling and hissing, accompanied by wisps of steam issued from the vent. The actual jet was more impressive than either of us had anticipated - it reached approximately 15-20ft and lasted for about ten minutes.

Once the geyser had reduced to a less spectacular bubbling, we went for a walk through the domain woods. By this time, roiling clouds overhead had become threatening and we were sure we would get caught out in the ensuing rain. We quickly headed back to the YHA where we sat on the porchway, watching the lightning and rain in the far distance. Somehow though, Te Aroha escaped the downpour, and the day remained humid.

We ate at a new cafe/bar in town, named 'Ironique', where we both stated that we had "one of the best meals so far!". With not much else to do in town, we walked back to the hostel and played a couple of board-games whilst listening to some (of the fantastic collection of) records on the antique player in the living area.

Dan and Andrea
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