Blue Baths, Heritage bathhouse in Government Gardens, Rotorua, New Zealand

The Blue Baths is a Spanish Mission style geothermal baths building in the Government Gardens, Rotorua, listed as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand. The present structure was built in 1932, replacing the first baths opened on the site in 1886. It closed to the public on 26 January 2021 after a seismic assessment found it met only 15 percent of the strength requirements for new buildings.

A bathhouse first opened on this site in 1886 and operated successfully for more than 40 years. The current building was constructed in 1932 based on designs by architect John Mair.

This bathhouse served as a social hub where people gathered for thermal bathing and leisure activities together. It shaped daily life in Rotorua as a destination for wellness and community gatherings.

The building has been closed to visitors since January 2021 following structural assessments after seismic concerns were identified. You can still view the exterior from the Government Gardens while plans for restoration and reopening are being developed.

The Blue Baths is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand. A seismic assessment in 2021 found the building reached only 15 percent of the strength required for new buildings, which led to its closure on 26 January 2021.