If you're thirsty, pause for refreshment in Paeroa. This town is the official birthplace of Lemon & Paeroa, New Zealand's home-grown soft drink.
Let curiosity drive you to stop in Paeroa. This historic town is the home of the nationally famous soft drink, Lemon and Paeroa (L&P). The very large bottle at the eastern end of the main street has plaques that explain the development of the drink. Call into any of the main street food outlets to purchase a bottle – a drinkable souvenir.
Paeroa is also famous for its range of antiques and collectables. Just north of the town is the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park, where you’ll find restored historic vessels and interesting displays.
Located right in the middle of the Hauraki Rail Trail, Paeroa is a great place to launch your cycling adventure. The undulating track winds its way past pioneering history and lush farmland, following an historic railway. From Paeroa, you can choose to cycle three distinct sections - north to Thames, south to Te Aroha, or east through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge and on to Waihī.
The breathtaking Karangahake Gorge is a walker’s paradise with an abundance of walkways and old tunnels where you can discover the rich history hidden in the gorge and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail. Not only is this one of the most stunning stretches of river in the country, it was home to one of the busiest and most lucrative goldstrikes in the country. The Windows Walkway would have to rate as one of the most stunning in the area with windows blasted through the gold mining tunnels providing stunning views into the Waitewheta river. The Gorge is also home to the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway, the Tunnel Loop Walk, Owharoa Falls and many other great walks. The Karangahake Gorge is a major highlight for the Hauraki Rail Trail, which can be accessed from Thames, Paeroa, Waihī, or Te Aroha. The trail offers a range of short riding options or for those wishing to make a weekend of it the entire trail can be done over three days.
