Situated in the heart of the Government Gardens, the building was originally "The Bath House", a once-famous spa which offered therapeutic treatments. Water from the nearby thermal springs was piped into private bathrooms and massage rooms. Opening in 1908, men and women naturally were treated in separate wings, and people came from all over the world to "take the cure." Sounds like a good plan to me.
The Museum does a delightful job of showing remnants of the building's first life, and my illegally taken pictures capture some of its interesting and charming history.
We were also intrigued with the Museum's coverage of the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera - the most destructive volcanic event in New Zealand's recorded history. During the mid-1800's, the beautiful "Pink and White Terraces" attracted visitors who wanted to see and experience the 'Eighth Wonder of the World." The area became the cradle of tourism in New Zealand, and visitors paid a high price to see the terraces. Greed followed and ultimately fostered a darker side - illness and alcoholism. The eruption - predicted by an old tohunga priest - destroyed the terraces and buried a village. Fascinating!
Visitors are also allowed on the roof of the Museum where I took additional pictures - legal ones.
Were the pictures really illegal? Oops!
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad the Pink and White Terraces were destroyed; it would have been yet another cool New Zealand destination. After the Disneyland-esque movie, I had imagined that the Terraces were merely under the waters of Lake Rotomahana, but Wikipedia tells me the site was totally obliterated in the eruption.
Paul and I really enjoyed the museum, too! It was really helpful to learn more about the history of Rotorua and environs. We also got a kick out of learning more about the eruption of Mount Tarawera - especially after spending a day kayaking near its base! FUN!
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