Rotorua Museum of Art and History

Rotorua Museum

Located in the historic Bath House building, this museum showcases Rotorua's volcanic history, Maori heritage, and the region's unique geothermal character through extensive exhibits and displays. The 1908 Edwardian building itself is an architectural gem worth visiting.

Things to do

• Explore the Volcanic History Exhibits — Learn about the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption and Rotorua's geothermal landscape through detailed displays and artifacts in the museum's main galleries.
• Tour the Bath House Architecture — Admire the 1908 Edwardian building's ornate design, including its distinctive turrets, tiled bathrooms, and grand interiors that reflect the region's spa heritage.
• View Maori Heritage Collections — Discover taonga (treasured items), whakairo (carvings), and displays detailing the history and culture of Rotorua's Te Arawa iwi (Maori people).
• Experience the Geothermal Hot Pools Legacy — View historical photographs and exhibits explaining how the Bath House's thermal pools once attracted visitors seeking healing properties in the early 20th century.
• Attend Rotating Contemporary Art Exhibitions — Check the schedule for changing displays of New Zealand and international contemporary art housed in the museum's upper galleries.
• Photograph the Historic Grounds — Walk the museum's gardens and exterior to capture the striking Victorian architecture set against Rotorua's geothermal landscape.

Food to try

• Hangi — A traditional Maori earth oven-cooked meal featuring meat, vegetables, and kumara (sweet potato) that reflects indigenous cooking methods still practiced in Rotorua.
• Geothermal-Cooked Corn and Root Vegetables — Local establishments cook produce using natural hot springs and geothermal vents, a unique cooking method particular to Rotorua's volcanic landscape.
• Rotorua Trout — Fresh freshwater trout from local lakes is a regional specialty, often served grilled or smoked at nearby restaurants and cafes.
• Rewena Bread — A Maori-style sourdough bread using a traditional starter that has been passed down through families, available at local bakeries and cafes in the region.
• Boil-Up (Maori Traditional Meal) — A hearty dish of boiled meat, potatoes, pumpkin, and other root vegetables that represents traditional Maori comfort food still enjoyed throughout Rotorua.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Geothermal Safety — Stay on marked paths and never enter unmarked hot pools or geothermal areas, as boiling springs and toxic gases are genuine hazards around Rotorua.
• Learn Basic Te Reo Maori Pronunciation — Familiarize yourself with Maori place names and words displayed throughout the museum to show respect for Te Arawa culture and enhance your understanding of exhibits.
• Visit During Matariki or Te Matatini Festival — Plan your visit around Maori cultural celebrations and festivals when the museum and wider region host special events, performances, and exhibitions highlighting indigenous heritage.
• Remove Shoes Before Entering Certain Spaces — Some areas of the museum, particularly those displaying taonga or during special Maori cultural presentations, may request visitors remove footwear as a sign of respect.