Historic and heritage value

The geothermal resource has been utilised by Te Arawa for over 500 years.
The therapeutic values of the waters were well known to the Maori before the first Europeans arrived in the country.
Visitors from around the world and New Zealand have been visiting the area to witness the thermal wonderland or 'take the waters' for centuries now.
Two of the more important features remaining today which form an integral; part of the national heritage of New Zealand include:

• The Maori communities of Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu;
• The Victorian setting of Government Gardens, the Bathhouse and the spa known as the Polynesian Spa.