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Discover the Biggest Museum in Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland in New Zealand’s North Island, is home to a diverse range of museums that offer unique insights into the region’s rich history, culture, and natural environment. From interactive exhibits to captivating storytelling, these museums cater to a wide range of interests and provide unforgettable experiences.

Discover the wonders of Te Puia, a renowned cultural center showcasing Māori traditions through captivating performances, immersive exhibits, and the iconic Pōhutu Geyser. Immerse yourself in the history and significance of the Rotorua Museum, where compelling displays unravel the stories of local Māori tribes, colonial settlers, and the impact of geothermal activity on the region’s landscape.

Top Museum in Rotorua, New Zealand

The Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa is a local museum and art gallery in the Government Gardens near the centre of Rotorua, New Zealand.
The museum is housed in the former Bath House building which was opened in 1908 and is noted as the first major investment in the New Zealand tourism industry by the government. The Bath House is a half-timbered building that has been called the most impressive Elizabethan Revival building in New Zealand.Rotorua Museum opened in the south wing of the Bath House in 1969; Rotorua Art Gallery opened in the north wing in 1977. In 1988, the museum and gallery combined to form the Rotorua Museum of Art and History.The museum is run by the Rotorua District Council. It has collections covering fine arts, photography, social history, and Taonga objects from the Māori culture.The museum was closed in 2016 due to not meeting New Zealand earthquake standards. In 2023 the Rotorua Lakes Council committed to continuing and completing repairs to the building to enable it to reopen.

Top Museum in Rotorua, New Zealand

Buried Village of Te Wairoa

  • Address: 1180 Tarawera Road, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua 3076, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (883)
  • Phone: +64 7 362 8287
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: Closed
    Tuesday: Closed
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Te Amorangi Trust Museum in Rotorua, New Zealand
Te Amorangi Trust Museum in Rotorua, New Zealand

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Embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse array of Museum in cities like Nelson, Whangarei and Tauranga across the Oceania continents, revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local business or a multinational company, these cities proudly display a rich tapestry of profesional services designed to cater to a wide array of preferences.

The 3 Best Museum near Rotorua, New Zealand

Te Amorangi Trust Museum in Rotorua, New Zealand
Te Amorangi Trust Museum in Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua Settlers and Steam Museum

  • Address: 43 Robinson Avenue, Holdens Bay, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (49)
  • Phone: +64 7 345 9525
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: Closed
    Tuesday: Closed
    Wednesday: Closed
    Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Friday: Closed
    Saturday: Closed
    Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    – Jules –✭✭✭✭✭
    10 months ago
    Such a hidden gem amongst the museums in Rotorua. Even though I’m not a resident, I paid the lower price. They’re understaffed but are doing their best at being friendly and helpful. Worth a visit for sure!
    Sean Perry✭✭✭✭✭
    3 years ago
    This is a real gem of a find in Rotorua. It is off the main road between Rotorua and Rotoiti – you turn at McDonalds in Owhata! It’s reminds me of some of the special muses in the UK that show real life as was. It’s not just steam engines and a model railway. I took my boys who lived buty girl was jealous when she saw pics of all the other attractions: other little houses with antiques and collections of hats dolls, cameras, books everything that people used 100+ years ago. Even the Rotorua old jail which housed 2 inmates only. Just a really cool experience.
    Kawe Roes✭✭✭✭✭
    3 years ago
    Ka mau te wehi!!! An awesome place to relax and look at all the history of Aotearoa – New Zealand from the first Māori to the Pākehā settlers, along with stationary steam engines and an awesome little ride on diesel railway. Check out their Facebook pages for more information
    Sharon Buckley✭✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    Amazing place run by wonderful volunteers. Who are currently looking for help from anyone to keep this beautiful historic place open for the public to enjoy.
    Toni Manga✭✭✭✭✭
    3 months ago
    Had a tour this morning.What a wonderful experience would recommend it to anyone all ages even the little ones.Well done Raiff and the team.

Te Amorangi Trust Museum

  • Address: Te Amorangi Trust Museum 43-45 Robinson Avenue, Holdens Bay, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.9 (14)
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Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best Museum in Rotorua, New Zealand, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!

5 Replies to Discover the Biggest Museum in Rotorua, New Zealand

  1. Spent an exciting and educational 2 hours here with two kids under 8 y/o. They loved it! Lots of interactive stuff and the treasure hunt had them really excited! The waterfall was well worth the exercise and we all ended up tired and very happy. An engaging, fun experience for everyone!

  2. This was a great outing, learning what happened here in 1886. Family had fun, even our fur baby was welcomed, dogs can visit but is not allowed to enter museum, cafe and reception areas, Rotorua locals gets discount pricing on entry and items bought on site

  3. Great family day out! Lots of interesting information! Great for all ages! Pram accessible except for the waterfall extension. We let the teenagers do the lots of stairs to see the waterfall which was beautiful. The oldies, pregnant mumma and baby in pram went along the path and skipped that part. We found it very interesting and had an exceptional day!
    The coffee and cakes was 10/10! Freshly made! Good prices!
    Highly recommended this to anyone!

  4. Spent a wonderful couple of hours here today and was really impressed… from the wonderful friendly service to the informative displays, the way the excavations had been done to show a glimpse of what life would have been like before the eruption, to the detour to the seriously impressive waterfall. Finished off our visit with a cold drink at the onsite cafe. highly recommended ?

  5. Fascinating history of the devastation caused by the volcanic eruption. The 10 min introductory presentation was extremely informative for both this valley but the region of rotorua. Our family all enjoyed the outdoor walk viewing these archaelogical sites in beautiful surrounds. The walk to the Wairere waterfall is a must. There are a number the steps but once there, you come up close to a beautiful 30m waterfall and the cascading stream. The price of admission is very reasonable.

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