You can climb the several hundred steps to the halfway lookout point or go the hard yards and continuing walking to the top, which takes two hours.
Both provide an excellent work-out and, whichever you choose, you will deserve that hot pool when you descend.
Te Aroha Leisure Pools is the family-friendly option with its three pools: a big one for playing, a hotter, shallower one for lounging and a super toasty one for soaking.
If you fancy something more intimate, check out Te Aroha Mineral Spa's private pools for more serene bathing as well as treatments.
Te Aroha is also great for treasure hunting, ranging from Second Thoughts Collectibles, and Restoration Antiques, to the cheap and cheerful Salvation Army Family Store.
Adrian Wolseley's scrap metal sculptures at Historic Creations are a must-see, too, as is the local museum where you can learn all about "taking the waters".
There is a risk, of course, that a day trip might not provide enough time to take in all of Te Aroha's charms, which means you will be delighted to learn the town's accommodation runs the gamut from a darling little Youth Hostel, a former nunnery and bed and breakfasts in historic homes.