Government Gardens Rotorua
Government Gardens Rotorua

Government Gardens Rotorua

Free admission
Queens Drive, Rotorua, North Island

The Basics

The Government Gardens are the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll in Rotorua. This 50-acre (20-hectare) compound on the shore of Lake Rotorua was given to the Crown by local Maori tribes (iwi). The area was transformed from a patch of scrubland peppered with therapeutic hot pools into a public park with manicured lawns.

A bowling club, petanque club, and croquet lawn appeal to all ages, while children can also make use of climbing structures and a shaded play area in the rose garden. Opt for a narrated sightseeing tour of Rotorua highlights, combined with other points of interest, or ride an amphibious “duck” vehicle that takes you past the Government Gardens before cruising the lake.

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Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour
Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour
US$52.14 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Value for Money & Entertaining
The trip was a success because of our driver and his consistent Dad jokes and playlist of music and background noise! Nothing short of hilariously funny & informative.
Michael_O, Sep 2023

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Visitors can combine a driving tour that visits landmarks in the public park with guided sightseeing beyond Rotorua.

  • Guests can also swim or soak in geothermally heated pools at the historic Blue Baths, but call ahead to make sure the baths are not closed for a private event.

  • The Government Gardens offer one of the city’s most serene spots for a picnic.

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How to Get There

The Government Gardens are located on Queens Drive, on the shores of Lake Rotorua in central Rotorua. Pickup from centrally located hotels is provided on most tour itineraries, but the site is an easy stroll from downtown.

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Trip ideas

Top Hot Springs in Rotorua

Top Hot Springs in Rotorua


When to Get There

The gardens are open daily from 10am until 6pm. Spring is a delightful time to visit, when visitors can listen to the birdsong that rains down from the branches of exotic trees, and take time, literally, to smell the abundant roses and other flowers that burst with color.

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Stepping Back in Time in Rotorua

To add to the impeccable nature of the gardens, an ornate Bath House building was constructed on the property and now stands as a piece of architectural history. The building houses the Rotorua Museum of Art and History, though it was damaged in a recent earthquake. The museum is well worth a visit when it reopens.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Government Gardens Rotorua?
A:
Attractions near Government Gardens Rotorua:
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Rotorua?
A:
As well as visiting the Government Gardens Rotorua, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: