Government Gardens

Great spot. Lots of renovations going on when I visited. Also the finish line for the annual Run the Forest event.

sadly the huge museum building was closed off due to renovations but the place is really pretty, huge dpaces of empty space just grass tho, buy still relaxing and worth the visit

The gardens are beautiful and well-maintained, and it makes for a nice, easy walk, with no hills or stairs. Some big open areas without shade, though, so make sure you bring your hat and slather on that sunscreen if it is a sunny day like the day I went. The geothermal areas were a bit of a low point. Experience such wonders as water with some smoke floating above it, or muddy water that has fewer bubbles than a bottle of cola. Still, it's worth what you pay, which is zero—so you can't really complain, eh? There are lots of cool sculptures to look at along the walk as well. The museum is STILL undergoing renovations. Like, do they just have one guy working on it or what? Haha. It is a shame, as it is a bit of an eyesore all covered up like that. Anyway, it's a nice place for a picnic and not super crowded.

A word of warning, the spectacular spa building in these photographs is under renovation at time of writing and may still be so when you visit. Otherwise this is a beautiful space in the heart of Rotarua and the nearby Rotarua caldera. Even in the heart of the city there are hot pools and evidence of volcanic activity. The smell takes a bit of getting used to but that is also the attraction of Rotarua.

Relaxing and expansive premise located very near the bus station. The combination of the expansive lawns and the unique Californian-esque made resemble a Californian college campus. However, it was a little disappointing that the piste de resistance - the Tudor style bath house - was under construction.