PAEROA Paeroa is on state highway 3 which is the main traffic route between Auckland and Tauranga. This is a very busy road and goes right through the centre of this quite nice township. Paeroa is an old town and was dependent in the early days on the gold discoveries further north of the town. Paeroa is now famous for the soft drink that emanated from the town many years ago. The soft drink Lemon and Paeroa (water from the natural springs) is a very popular local drink and is still consumed widely in NZ. The L & P bottle is now an iconic symbol in the country, and of course is displayed boldly as you enter Paeroa from the east. The town and particularly a number of the shops have adopted the corporate colours of the drink. Whilst Paeroa is home to New Zealand’s very own soft drink, (Started in 1907),  Paeroa is also famous for a variety of beautiful locations, attractions, events and boasts about 20 antique & secondhand stores. Paeroa has a beautiful public domain, located just a few metres from the main street, which is a haven for many mature specimen trees and host to a variety of sporting events. Horse racing is held throughout the year at the Paeroa Racecourse, and hunting, shooting and fishing are available in season. Paeroa is a thriving community, and increasingly is becoming a chosen place to live. Being only one hour out of Auckland is driving some of that growth.   The museum in Paeroa is open seven days and gives a good insight into the early days of the township. The Presbyterian Church has just celebrated its 100 year anniversary. The Hotels in Paeroa have national Heritage qualification. The War Memorials and Honour Roles are housed in the RSA buildings. Paeroa, for a small town is a thoroughly nice place and is a must visit.