Tudor Towers - Rotorua, New Zealand - New Zealand Historic Places on Waymarking.com

Long Description:
The Bath House is an imposing timber-framed building that demonstrates attempts by the New Zealand government to establish Rotorua as a spa resort of international renown. Erected in a geothermal area now known as the Government Gardens, the bathhouse was constructed in 1906-1908 by the newly-created Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. It stands on land that had been gifted by Ngati Whakaue 'hei oranga mo nga iwi katoa o te Ao' ('for the benefit of the people of the world') when the government established Rotorua as a tourist resort in 1880. Although several timber bathhouses had been erected in the late nineteenth century, it was not until the town had been put under the administration of the Tourist Department in 1901 that large-scale investment in the spa occurred. The bathhouse was the centrepiece of development in the resort, being designed to attract wealthy visitors from the Northern hemisphere for medical treatment and genteel relaxation. It was erected at the considerable cost of £40,000, and was opened in 1908 by Prime Minister Joseph Ward (1856-1930). As a prestigious project, attempts were made to stimulate overseas interest from the start, with Admiral Sperry, commander of the visiting American Atlantic Fleet, being invited to participate in the opening ceremony.

Date location was entrusted to the New Zealand Historic places: 02/04/1985 Type of history commemorated (short description): Historic building. Website pertaining to the location: [Web Link] Town, city, or region nearest to the site: Rotorua Hours of operation: unknown Is it accessible to the general public: yes Year placed: Not listed Admission fees if any: Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
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Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   12/17/2009 greysman visited it 3/20/2009 Tealby visited it 2/20/2009 Norfolk12 visited it 6/2/2008 Punga and Paua visited it

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