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First Europeans view Pink and White Terraces
Missionary Thomas Chapman and his wife Anne view the Terraces. These would become the single primary attraction in Rotorua that enticed visitors to the region. -
John Bidwell writes Rambles in NZ
Bidwell was a naturalist and traveller and described the natural wonders of the region. This publicity stimulated the interest of potential European tourists. -
Period: to
History of Tourism
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Period: to
Pioneer Tourism Phase
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The Treaty of Waitangi
The signing allowed for the immigration of British settlers and opened the door for tourists too. -
Missionaries settle around Te Ngae
The missionary Thomas Chapman and his wife Anne were the first Europeans to host visitors and offer accomodation, food and guides. -
Notable visitor
William Colenso (missionary printer) visits.His ability to publish and print news helped to promote and publicise the terraces to NZers. -
Notable visitor
Bishop Selwyn was a significant figure in the church. His would have spread the word by word of mouth and his activities would have been followed with interest by his followers. -
Missionaries based at Kariri (Gallilee)
Rev. Seymour Mills and Ellen Spencer worked with Tuhourangi beside Lake Tarawera -
Te Wairoa developed
A European style community developed at Te Wairoa (Formerly Kariri (Gallilee). It was a mixed Maori / European community. -
Notable visitor
Governor Grey visits the district. Dignitaries back then elevated the importance of the area like celebrity endorsements might do today. -
Guiding
Guides became the accepted way to see lakes, geysers, terraces and hotpools. Principal guides to the Pink and White terraces were Sophia (pictured), Maggie and Bella. -
Hosted on marae
The Hinemihi meeting house at Te Wairoa would host visitors. The visitors would be entertained by evening cultural performances. Guides would be provided and Maori waka would provide transport. Other Maori villages on the shores of Lake Tarawera provided catered lunch stopovers. This all came at a cost and the Maori began to prosper and the shell eyes on the carved meeting house were replaced with gold sovereigns. -
Mission school developed at Te Wairoa
Ellen Spencer pictured -
New Zealand Land Wars
The Taranaki Wars began in March 1860 followed by the Waikato Invasion. Political instability disrupts tourism development for nearly a decade. Tourist numbers fell dramatically as a result. -
First mention of tourist charges
Two pounds to be rowed from Te Wairoa to Rotomahana. Five pound fee for photograph, painting or drawing.These charges highlight the growing awareness of the economic benefits of tourism for Maori and their growing prosperity. -
The cessation of the Te Kooti uprising
The cessation of the Te Kooti uprising brought the Maori Land wars to a close bringing peace and security and this allowed for travel and sets the scene for a tourism boom -
Ohinemutu Hotel built in Ohinemutu
The First commercial hotel in Rotorua was built overlooking the lake shore and the Maori settlement at Ohinemutu (where the present day St Faith's cathedral is located.) It was demolished in 2018. -
Transfers by coach
Operators like Robertson and Co.coaches transferred tourists between Ohinemutu and Te Wairoa passing the Blue and Green lakes (Tikitapu) en route. -
Tikitere opens
Tikitere is a geothermal attraction on the NorthEastern side of Lake Rotorua. It has hot springs, geysers and sinter terraces -
Rotomahana hotel opens
This hotel in the village of Te Wairoa provided alcohol. It catered to one particular type of visitor, the one that liked to drink on holiday. A second hotel the Terraces hotel developed later in the same village catering to tee-totallers (non-drinkers). -
Transfers to Terraces
The first journeys to the terraces were made in traditional waka but as visitor numbers grew this was replaced with European whaleboats to increase capacity -
The Pink and White terraces
The terraces become the primary reason for visitors to come to Rotorua as indicated here by Duke Alfred of Edinburgh's visit in 1874 -
Auto type process
Daniel Mundy publishes "Rotomahana - the boiling spring of NZ"
One of the first books to use the autotype process allowing photographs to be reproduced in a printing press and keep grey tones in tact. -
Priest Springs named
The Priest Spring is named after Father Mahoney, a Catholic Priest who was ‘cured’ of his crippling arthritis from bathing in the waters in 1878. The slightly acidic water from the Priest Spring allegedly relieved tired muscles, aches and pains. The Springs became a "cure-all" and a major drawcard for the region. -
Photographic prints for sale
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Signing of Fenton Street Agreement
An agreement was made between local iwi and European for the establishment of reserves and the acquisition of land leases for the establishment of Rotorua township. -
Thermal Springs Act
This Act gave the government powers of jurisdiction over thermal springs. Up until this point Maori had controlled these assets and initiated tourism. The Government now became the regulator of tourism. -
Township of Rotorua established
After the Fenton Agreement plans are drawn up for the development of the township -
The Pavilion Baths open
the first building of the new Government township of Rotorua, was built on the site of the Priest’s Bath. -
Coach road built over Mamaku Plateau
Since 1876 the final section could not be completed by buggy. Finally the last 16km stretch of coach road was completed providng access from Oxford (Tirau) over the Mamaku plateau. Coach companies like Cobb and Co. provided intercity links for tourists. -
Palace hotel built
originally in Ohinemutu -
Tourist statistics 1250 for season
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Pavilion baths fell down
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Brent's hotel established
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First Blue Baths open
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Period: to
Diversification and Infrastructural Development
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Tarawera eruption
Edward Bainbridge, an English tourist, dies at Te Wairoa and becomes the first tourist fatality in NZ. -
Phase 2: Diversification of Tourism
With the primary attraction to Rotorua now gone; tourism operators began to diversify (branch out). New Attractions were developed and new accomodation sprung up and the government invested in developing more infrastructure to support the growing industry. -
Waimangu volcanic and thermal valley created
The world's newest geothermal system was created as a result of the series of volcanic explosions that occurred along the 17km Tarawera rift. This now became an attraction of it's own. -
Rainbow Trout introduced to Lake Rotorua
Trout fishing was a favourite pastime of the European gentry so trout were introduced so that a recreational fishery could be developed. -
Hamurana Springs opened up
On the northern shores of Lake Rotorua are the amazing Hamurana Springs. Punting on the crystal clear waters of the spring fed stream was a popular weekend activity along with picnics on the beach. -
Waitomo caves open
Whilst not quite in Rotorua itself, the discovery of the Waitomo caves in 1887 started a Tourism Triangle between Waitomo, Rotorua and Tongariro. The ease of accessibility between these three localities had put them as first tier priorities on the tourist wishlist. -
Pavilion baths rebuilt
Camille Malfroy (engineer) -
Waiotapu discovered
Located at the first staging post for horse and coach on the road South to Taupo/Tongariro. It's discovery provided tourists with a stopover activity whilst the horses were being rested, watered or changed for the resumption of the trip. -
Sophia begins guiding at Whakarewarewa
The Tarawera eruption caused the forced migration of Maori hapu to other centres around the region. Guide Sophia was taken in by relatives at Whakarewarewa where she introduced her guiding tradition to them. Her descendants still guide today although the brand name has changed to Te Puia. -
'Bungalow' opens
Accomodation house at Waiotapu opens -
Government Gardens developed
Camille Malfroy an engineer begins a major project to develop formal gardens which would include three man-made geysers in the Sanitorium reserve. -
Sanitorium Baths
By 1892. 17,521 baths had been taken at the Sanitorium baths located at the site of the yet to be constructed bath house. This growing demand for bathing no doubt stimulating government to invest further. -
Railway reaches Rotorua
Infrastructure was improved such as the extended of the railway from Oxford (Tirau) to Rotorua. This completed the connection with Auckland. Domestic visitors from Auckland could now access Rotorua by train. -
Postmaster's Baths open
Highly acidic -
Grand Hotel opens
Boer war volunteers out front -
Waiwera House opens
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Pavilion baths expanded
A women's swimming bath was added to the facility so that woman could partake in this activity, separately of course. -
Rainbow and Fairy Springs charges tourists
The fairy springs are next to Rainbow Springs and used to be linked with the Rainbow Springs operation. The landowners now run their own operation and have acquired the use of the Fairy Springs as a part of their Mitai attraction. -
Planting of Whakarewarewa forest
A government planting scheme began offering local employment opportunities. Who would have known in 1901 that this would become a significant tourism asset 100 years later. -
Waimangu geyser plays
The Waimangu (Black Waters) geyser played for four years from 1900-1904. Its eruptions were observed reaching up to 1,500 feet (450m) in height, and it excited worldwide interest. -
Prince's Gate Arches erected
In the shape of a crown to commemorate the royal visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York.The Prince's Gate Archway was strung with electric lightbulbs to highlight the development of electricity in Rotorua. -
Rotorua population reaches 2000
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Department of Health and Tourist Resorts established
New Zealand was the first country to dedicate a government department to tourism. In 1901, the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts came into being. Through most of the 20th century, its role was tactical - running hotels and putting together itineraries around New Zealand as well as advertising. -
Okere Falls power station begins operating
Electricity arrives in Rotorua and this key infrastructure allowed accomodation and attractions to be well-lit with electric lighting. -
Royal Visit
The Royal visit by the future royals the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York was a massive gathering one of the first example of Event tourism in Rotorua. -
Duchess Bath opens
In time to celebrate the visit of the Duchess of York opened on the site of the present Polynesian Spa. -
Te Runanga tea house
Built in 1903 as a tea pavilion in the Government Gardens, Te Runanga (the meeting house) served as a social centre of Spa facilities where tourists and invalids could relax. -
Grandvue Hotel opens
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Origins of Tourist
The map shows the Origins of tourists in NZ in 1903. It shows the growing importance of Australia as a significant tourist market (52%) due to it's proximity across the Tasman Sea. Britain our traditional market still accounts for 40% whilst the USA is an emerging market (8%) -
Four tourists killed by Waimangu geyser
Four tourists failed to adhere with their guide's advice and were in the path of the blast from the Waimangu geyser when it erupted. Tourist deaths are never nice and tend to disrupt tourism. ( Think White Island) -
Lake Rotorua and Rotoiti boat cruises and trout fishing
Tourism takes advantage of the abundant fish stocks in the lakes since the introduction of trout in 1887. 18 years earlier. -
New Zealand International Exhibition
A model of Rotorua was presented at the International Exhibition in Hagley Park Christchurch. An International Exhibition drew a wide and wealthy audience and was a promotional tool for the industry. -
Te Wairoa Tearooms and accommodation established
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Waimangu Round trip begins
A package tour offering a tour of the Waimangu geothermal valley, then a Lake Rotomahana cruise with views of Mount Tarawera which then connects to a Lake Tarawera cruise followed by the Buried village before returning back to Rotorua. This circuit allowed for attractions to be packaged together saving tourists time and money. -
DTHR assumes control of Rotorua
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Rotorua Bathouse opens
Rotorua bathhouse opened in grand style 112 years ago. The doors of Rotorua's Bath House opened on August 13, 1908, with a golden key and a flurry of fanfare. The land where it sits, at the heart of the Government Gardens, was donated by Ngāti Whakaue in 1880 as part of the Fenton Agreement. -
Model pa developed at Whakarewarewa
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Penny divers
Children dive for pennies at Whakarewarewa -
geyserland
This brochure from 1912 shows Rotorua promoted as Geyserland. (Wairoa geyser pictured.). Brochures were a major means of publicising attractions. The brochure also suggests that geothermal activity in the form of geysers was possibly the new primary attraction. -
World War One starts
The start of World War One brings a halt to tourism as sea routes become battlegrounds and shipping becomes hazardous -
The Princes Gate Hotel erected
Built in 1897 the former New Central Hotel was transferred to Rotorua from Waihi. This hotel still operates in central Rotorua. -
Waimangu guesthouse destroyed
An eruption in Frying Pan Flat at Waimangu destroys the guesthouse. Before and after photo. -
World War One ends
The nation celebrates on Armistice Day marking the end of World War Two and a return to peace and security. -
Hamurana fishing lodge opens
This advertisement in the Auckland Star shows how tourist accomodation was marketed to potential clients. Hamurana fishing lodge was an accomodation venue catering to a particular niche in the market - fishermen. -
Rainbow Springs opens to public
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Rotorua promoted as a conference centre
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Economic depression
For a decade from 1929-1939 tourism declines due to the Great Depression. It was a time of failing businesses, mass unemployment, soup kitchens and hard times -
Ward Baths open
Constructed on the site of the old Duchess Bath. Site of present day Polynesian Spa -
Cars
Some trucks had begun to replace the horse and cart for transport in the late 1920's but during the 1930's cars surpassed rail as the main mode of personal transport. This Oldsmobile shown is at Te Wairoa. -
Excavations begin at Te Wairoa
Archaeological excavations begin on the site of the village of Te Wairoa buried under volcanic ash and mud from the Rotomahana eruption during the Tarawera series of eruptions. -
NZ Railways Bus Service
From 1931 the government had to approve a company’s buses, timetables and fares. The government had its own coach service, which some private companies thought was unfair. Buses were becoming the preferred option for mass transport. -
Blue Baths opened
The Blue Baths allowed for mixed bathing showing an easing of strict societal norms post war. -
Hell's Gate opens
In 1934 noted Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, visited and cited it as inspiration to change his once atheist beliefs. In awe of the boiling mud and steam billowing into the sky, Shaw is said to have exclaimed “this could be the very gates of hell.” Upon hearing this, local Māori decided the English name for the area would become Hell’s Gate. -
Cureland
A railways brochure promoted Rotorua as Cureland -
Orakei Korako opens
Another geothermal area off the highway, south of Rotorua on the way to Taupo opens for tourists. -
P&O cruises
This P&O cruises brochure offers stopovers in Rotorua. -
World War Two starts
Europe enters war against Germany. NZ had strong ties with Britain and where our colonial masters went , NZ followed. -
Paradise Valley Springs opens
Originally opening as a trout springs park in 1939, the park evolved into an extensive farm park with lions. This photo taken in 1977 shows the trout springs still featuring as a main attraction. -
World War Two ends
Celebrating the end of World War two and the restoration of peace and security. -
Buried village opens after WWII
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Phase Three: Mass Tourism
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Health Department controls main baths
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Bathhouse closed
Bathouse rapidly declining. A maintenance nightmare and a health department report hastens it's closure. -
Development of Fenton Street Resort Zone
Fenton Street was the main avenue between the Rotorua lakefront and Government Gardens to Whakarewarewa Geothermal area. It was lined with blue gum trees and it was planned to zone the street for resort development (hotels,motels and motor-inns). -
Period: to
Mass Tourism
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Visitor numbers reach 20,000
16,000 International visitors (80%)
4,000 Domestic visitors (20%) -
Tourist and Publicity Department
The Department of Tourist and Health Resorts was renamed. The link with Health was dropped. -
Four laning of Fenton Street
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Jet aircraft technology
The introduction of commercial jet aircraft signifies the beginning of major tourism growth -
Whakarewarewa upgraded
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Visitor numbers reach 90,000
70,000 International visitors (78%)
20,000 Domestic visitors (22%) -
Maori arts and Crafts Institute opens
The MACI is a unique institution providing opportunities to develop traditional Maori arts and crafts like carving and weaving and showcasing these skills to the public. -
Fairy Springs road upgraded
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Rotorua airport opens
Airport at Rotokawa opens allowing for domestic flights from other major NZ cities. This improves access to Rotorua and further reduces travel times -
Rainbow Springs developed as a major attraction
Rainbow Springs developed into a nature park. -
Orchid Gardens open
The Orchid gardens open complete with a water organ fountaining water to varying heights. -
Agrodome opens
Prime Minister Rob Muldoon opens the Agrodome showcasing NZ's farming prowess. -
Aquatic centre opens
The aquatic centre opens in 1971 following along the well established traditional path of swimming in hot pools in Rotorua -
Ward baths privatised upgraded and reopen as Polynesian Pools
Ward Baths were sold to private business, upgraded and renamed as Polynesian pools. -
Visitor numbers reach 500,000
International visitors 285,000 (57%)
Domestic visitors 215,000 (43%) -
Waimangu privatised
Government sells Waimangu valleyoperation to a private operator. The Waimangu valley is presently owned by the Department of Conservation but the operators run as a concessionaire holder in conjunction with Doc.
