Story: Thermal pools and spas

The Blue Baths

The Blue Baths

This photograph of the Blue Baths in Rotorua, taken in 1933, gives some indication of their popularity for recreation at that time. Mixed bathing was a leisure activity that increasingly appealed to families and social groups. The idea was still relatively new: previously men and women bathed separately at thermal resorts, and often did not wear costumes.

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Rotorua Museum of Art and History, Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa
Reference: CP-192

Permission of Rotorua Museum of Art and History Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Thermal pools and spas - Leisure and pleasure', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6589/the-blue-baths (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 12 Jun 2006