Reserve Land
Last updated:
October 2009
The Tourist and Health Resorts Control Act 1908 provides for government operation of natural springs, spa baths and various reserves. It also regulates removal of minerals, water and sulphur from the reserves.
In the earlier part of the 1900s, the New Zealand Government had substantial investments in tourism. By the end of the 1980s, however, most of government owned tourist facilities had been closed or transferred to local councils and the land had been transferred or sold.
Three reserves are still controlled under the Act, all located near to one another in Rotorua and containing varying thermal features.
- The Arikikapakapa Reserve: part of this reserve is leased to the Rotorua Golf Club, and part is leased to the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (MACI).
- The Whakarewarewa Reserve: part is leased to MACI and contains the famous Pohutu Geyser.
- Roto-a-Tamapheke: unoccupied, consists of large boiling lakes, mud pools and scrub land.
The reserves total approximately 130 hectares. The Ministry of Tourism monitors and advises the Minister on the use of these lands.
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