Story: Thermal pools and spas

Roadside Stories: Luxury spa at Rotorua

In the 19th century the mineral waters of thermal springs were thought to cure an array of ailments. The government developed a luxurious bathhouse at Rotorua, hoping to attract international visitors by offering spa treatments to complement the area’s Māori culture and geothermal wonders.

Listen to a Roadside Story about Rotorua's bathhouse. Roadside Stories is a series of audio guides to places around New Zealand.

Archival audio sourced from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives. Sound files may not be reused without permission from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives (Reference number CDR624).

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Thermal pools and spas - Government spas', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/35242/roadside-stories-luxury-spa-at-rotorua (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 12 Jun 2006