In the 1890s, Te Aroha was a flourishing spa town, patronised by the elite of Victorian society.  While the ladies and gentlemen of that era have long since gone, the gracious buildings remain in the gardens of Te Aroha Domain.

The town's museum is housed in one of the historic buildings.  Soaking in the thermal waters drawn from the nearby Mokena geyser is still a major reason for visiting.  Rising above the domain is bushclad Mount Te Aroha.  A number of bushwalks depart from the domain, one of which leads to the summit.  For mountainbikers there is an all-weather track running through the hills overlooking the town.