This outstanding museum occupies a grand Tudor-style edifice. A 20-minute film on the history of Rotorua, including the Tarawera eruption, runs every 20 minutes from 9am. The Don Stafford Wing , dedicated to Rotorua's Te Arawa people, features woodcarving, flax weaving, jade and the stories of the revered WWII 28th Maori Battalion. Also here are two art galleries and a cool cafe with garden views (although the best view in town is from the viewing platform on the roof).
The museum was originally an elegant spa retreat called the Bath House (1908): displays in the former shower rooms give a fascinating insight into some of the eccentric therapies once administered here, including 'electric baths' and the Bergonie Chair.
