Te Aroha & Districts Museum

The Te Aroha & Districts Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of the area.

The museum is located in the historical Cadman Bathhouse, which opened in 1898, and is the focal point of the Te Aroha Domain. The museum is run by the Te Aroha and District Museum Society Inc, which was started by the Te Aroha Mayor Henry Skidmore in 1971.

The museum presents the history of the district through thousands of artefacts and extensive displays of historic photos, early Maori relics, gold mining days, early settlers, business and development, the Domain, and the town's rich spa history. One of the most fascinating displays in the museum is about Wong Foo, who arrived in Te Aroha in 1908 and eventually established a market garden in the district. The museum also has a collection of objects, archives, photographs, maps, and books that explore the local history of Te Aroha and districts.

The Te Aroha Museum is nestled under the sacred mountain and is a little gem not to be missed by visitors. It takes you on a nostalgic walk down 'Memory Lane', where the story of Te Aroha, the district, and its people is told. The museum is incredibly informative and well-maintained, with near-perfect artefacts and a scope that will leave you floored. In summary, the Te Aroha & Districts Museum is a vibrant place of interest that recognizes and explains the shared past of the town and district, serving as the foundation of its future. The museum is a fascinating destination that takes visitors on a nostalgic walk down memory lane, exploring the local history of Te Aroha and districts through thousands of artefacts, extensive displays of historic photos, early Maori relics, gold mining days, early settlers, business and development, the Domain, and the town's rich spa history.