Paeroa Paeroa is a town buzzing with character and chocka with things to see, do, eat and drink. It is at the junction of the trail to Te Aroha and Matamata, as well as through to the popular Karangahake Gorge and Waikino to Waihi section of the trail. Before you head anywhere you’ll want to get the obligatory selfie at the giant L&P bottle in town. But there’s much more to see and do. A visit to the Historical Maritime Park and Museum - which has campervan parking too – is right on the trail, and when their new wharf is completed they’ll be able to restart riverboat cruises on the Ohinemuri river from there to Paeroa. To get a guided tour with a local who has a passion for the river, escape with Kelvin Forsman of Adventure Te Aroha, who has started SUP lessons for people to improve their core strength, and which gives a “completely different aspect on the water”, he says.
The Waihou is abundant with wildlife, Kelvin says, with fishers catching trout by licence, lots of inanga, the odd seal in the summer who gorge on this, and even a very rare dolphin in the lower reaches. “The birdlife is also abundant is amazing, and it changes all the time.” Across the road from the rail trail, you can cool off at the Paeroa pools right beside Pedlar’s Motel. It’s a great place to take a dip after a hot day on the trail. The new wharf on Wharf St is being built which will allow people to travel by boat right into the middle of town. Positively Paeroa manager Jo Tilsley says people will be able to do the trail, have a swim, jump on the boat to take a river cruise to the maritime park and museum. “It will really open up river experiences for visitors.” Despite a tough 2020, events are being organised for the town, and the site Positive Paeroa is a great option for keeping up to date with what’s on. Among the biggest by far is the Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo which is being held on Saturday 13 February and a mustdo for those with a hankering for all things Highland. It started out as a small Pipe Bands Competition and is now a fully-fledged Highland Games, with an evening tattoo and a day full of Scottish dancing and games. The Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo is held on Saturday 13 February.
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Hauraki Rail Trail
