Rotorua Museum (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa)

The Rotorua Museum (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa) stands as a gateway to the rich history of Rotorua, New Zealand, from the early Māori settlers to the arrival of European explorers. Housed in the historic Bath House, an architectural icon known for its supposed curative therapies, the museum offers a deep dive into the city’s past through cinema, galleries, and historic locales. The Te Arawa gallery showcases an extensive collection of ancient Māori art and artifacts, alongside treasured antique photographs from the colonial era. Meanwhile, the Tarawera gallery recounts the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt. Tarawera. Visitors can explore these exhibits, though the museum is currently closed for earthquake assessment.