Elisabeth Easther enjoys great outdoor activities in a quaint hamlet.
Te Aroha is one of those charming little towns that needs to be visited more often.
With its cycle trails, including the Hauraki Rail Trail, a former rail line that takes you offroad to Paeroa and beyond, this hamlet has pretty houses, excellent dining establishments and therapeutic hot pools that make it a winner in winter.
If you don't fancy lazing about all day, the Howarth Memorial Wetlands is perfect for a pleasant stroll.
For those after something a bit more brisk, head out of town to Wairere Falls, which at 153m is the North Island's tallest waterfall.