Government Gardens

Government Gardens is a large, manicured urban park in Rotorua with shaped green spaces, historic buildings, and natural geothermal features throughout. The park combines open lawns with paved walkways, ornamental garden beds, and areas where steaming vents and hot springs emerge from the ground.

The park was founded in the 1880s after the Ngāti Whakaue tribe gifted the land, quickly developing into a thermal bath and garden destination. This establishment helped make Rotorua into a sought-after place for visitors interested in geothermal wellness.

The gardens blend Victorian design with Māori cultural elements, visible in how the Rotorua Museum building incorporates both architectural traditions. Walking through different sections, you notice how these two styles coexist in the landscape and structures.

The park has paved paths that make it easy to walk around, plus restrooms and parking at multiple locations. The best time to visit is during dry weather, as the paths can become slippery near the active geothermal vents.

Beneath the surface, hot springs and geothermal systems constantly release steam and warm the ground beneath your feet. This active heat underground is often overlooked, but it shapes the entire park experience and makes every visit feel sensorily unusual.