Blue Baths Pool, Rotorua Overview

Natural geothermal features have always been something that Rotorua is proud of. There are geysers, hot springs and bubbling pools of mud and water abound, scattered all around the city - a facet that has earned Rotorua the moniker 'Sulphur City'. These geothermal attractions are also half the reason behind the city's tourist appeal. One such is the beautiful venue of Blue Bath Pool in the historic Government Gardens. Although it is enclosed in a pool suitable for swimming, the crystal blue water in it is fresh and geothermally heated, unlike most in-house pools' artificial mineral water.

It is among New Zealand’s most loved destinations for relaxation and rejuvenation. The bath house resembles an architectural style very close to the Art Deco that was particularly popular in the 1930s when the building was constructed, thereby exuding a charm of yesteryears very expressly. The Blue Baths are quite the heritage building and are now a beautiful venue for weddings, galas, corporate events, conferences, charity dinners and other public extravaganzas. Much of the building’s original features were preserved during the refurbishment - the multitude of open spaces for meeting, a museum gallery, the Foyer, a classic Tea Room and the Lido Lounge, which is 600 square metres room once housing the adult pool here. But the main attraction here has always been the turquoise blue bathing and swimming pools. There is one original Juvenile Pool, which is kept at a temperature of around 30°C. Two more hot soak pools are significantly warmer, at 37°C and 42°C, respectively. They are known to have healing powers and de-stress the mind and body from the grind of the daily schedule.

Tickets and Timings

Tickets

Adult - NZD 11

Child - NZD 6

Senior Citizen - NZD 9

Group of 10 - NZD 10 per head

Family (2 adults + 3 children) - NZD 30

Timings

The pools open at 10 AM everyday and remains accessible to public till 6 PM in the evening. Last admission is allowed at 5:15 PM, to allow those already inside adequate time to get up from the pool and get changed.

The timings are subject to change due to seasonal factors. It can be altered by the authorities in case of a private event as well. Do call ahead of your visit to check closing times for the day.

Tips

Children under 14 years of age are not granted entry to the pool area without an adult accompanying them.
Kids who are aged below 5 are not permitted into the water without an adult supervising their moves.
The Blue Baths do not provide lifeguards around the pool. As a visitor, you will be on your own in regards to risk management. If you are bringing kids or an amateur swimmer with you, make sure to stick to water safety rules and keep an eye out.

History

The spot of land on which Blue Baths Pool stands is significant because of its history. Like most other places in the country, it was occupied by the local Maori people, who fought battles here to keep their freedom.
Finally, as somewhat of a negotiation, the Maoris gave 50 acres of land here to the British Empire in the 1800s. In 1908, a bath house was opened here by the Government of New Zealand, followed by a second one in 1933.
The latter, named the Blue Baths, drew much controversy for allowing mixed bathing during a time when most of the civilized world considered it scandalous. But the Blue Baths continued to thrive, catering to both men and women of the elite class, as they socialised over the warm waters. The Blue Baths were shut down in around 1982, but opened with a facelift in 1999-2000.