Rotorua Museum of Art & History

This impressive museum, better known as the Bath House, is in a grand Tudor-style edifice in the Government Gardens. Originally an elegant spa retreat (it opened in 1908), displays in the former shower rooms give a fascinating insight into some of the eccentric therapies once practised here, including 'electric baths' and the Bergonie Chair.

A gripping 20-minute film on the history of Rotorua, including the Tarawera eruption, runs every 20 minutes from 9am (not for small kids – the seats vibrate and the eruption noises are authentic!). Also here is a collection of taonga (treasures) of Te Arawa, featuring woodcarving, flax weaving and jade. Other exhibits relate the stories of the WWII 28 Maori Battalion, a revered military unit formed of local Arawa people (a movie on the battalion runs every 30 minutes from 9.30am). There’s also a cool cafe with picturesque garden views, although the best view in town can be had from the viewing platform on the rooftop.