About

Te Aroha Courthouse

Boutique Accommodation & Heritage Escape

Te Aroha Courthouse, built in 1883, offers a unique opportunity to stay in a historic New Zealand landmark. Purchased in 2021 by Kathy Dixon, the building has been meticulously transformed into a three-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom boutique accommodation, opening to the public in 2022.

The Courthouse preserves much of its rich past, including the original thick-doored safe in the kitchen and the original kauri walls and floorboards throughout the property.

The accommodation is ideally situated for relaxation and outdoor pursuits. Mount Te Aroha (Te Aroha means 'love', 'the love', 'compassion', 'connection' and 'kindness' in Te Rēo Māori), and the highest peak of the Kaimai Range, is virtually on the doorstep, offering hiking, climbing, and an abundance of birdsong. A variety of other local and regional walks are easily accessible, including the spectacular Waihi coastal track (40 minutes' drive) and the must-see Te Waihou Walkway (Blue Springs). See our ‘Nearby’ page for more information.

For downtime, the Courthouse offers a piano, puzzles, games, and a pool table, providing a space for both rest and play. The property is also just minutes away from the Te Aroha Domain, where the natural hot pools—including the recently refurbished No.2 Bathouse - provide a restorative experience. Advance booking for private use of this pool is recommended.

The town centre, with its bars, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and a range of local shops and galleries, is within easy walking distance. A nostalgic note: the television tower, featured in the classic 'Goodnight Kiwi' close-down sequence, was based on the broadcast tower atop Mt Te Aroha. Also, the popular crime drama ‘The Gone’ was mainly filmed here, although the town’s name in the series was changed to Mt.Affinity.

The Te Aroha Courthouse features three generous bedrooms and can host up to nine adults, making it ideal for families, small groups, or adventurers looking for a comfortable base camp. From here, you’re perfectly positioned to discover the plethora of Te Aroha’s trails, cycleways, and natural wonders—and to access some of the North Island’s most loved attractions, all within a two-hour drive.

A message from your host, Kathy

I'm Kathy, and I've poured my energy and creativity into restoring this magnificent building. A long-time renovator, home stager, and former shop owner, I retired to Te Aroha seeking a location close to nature, forests, and waterfalls, within a short drive of Auckland.

When the Te Aroha Courthouse became available, I seized the opportunity to create a warm, inviting space for guests to retreat, relax, and reset. As a creative person who loves hosting, my aim was to craft a space anyone could enjoy. I'm situated at the base of the mountain and love the forest's powerful energy. I hope you enjoy the history, the spectacular view of Mount Te Aroha from the lounge, and the nature that surrounds you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

All just a stroll away:

Dining: Try the beloved, family-owned BackYard Pies for a hearty Kiwi feed (including the Kiwi burger, fish tacos, and the decadent 'Pork Melt' toasted sandwich). For a healthier option, visit Villa Nine Cafe (where you might catch a glimpse of the waterfall). Taj Indian Restaurant is also highly recommended by previous guests. See our ‘Nearby’ page for more information and options.

Culture: Explore local art at the Whittaker Gallery and the various works of scultpture art by renowned local sculptor, Adrian Worsley, or browse around the antique shops. The Heritage Walk is a curated walk around 23 of the town’s historic and heritage buildings, with The Courthouse being no.7 on the trail.

Shopping: Support small, local businesses like Williams Hardware (a treasure trove of homewares, gifts, and hardware) and Piako Stationery (for puzzles, games, and books). Meat lovers should visit the local, award-winning butcher at Best Meats.

Hot Pools: Beyond the historic No.2 Bathhouse, options include the main Te Aroha Hot Pools or the more economical, community-focused Swimzone, which offers three outdoor natural mineral spring pools. Day trips to the fabulous Opal Springs (30-minute drive) and Okoroire Springs are also highly regarded.

Further Exploration: The area abounds with excellent walking and mountain biking tracks - pop in to the Te Aroha Information Centre (open 7 days) for maps and very helpful advice.

Enjoy your stay!