In the 19th century the mineral waters of thermal springs were thought to cure an array of ailments. The government developed a luxurious bathhouse at Rotorua, hoping to attract international visitors by offering spa treatments alongside the area's Māori culture and geothermal wonders. Archival audio sourced from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives, http://www.soundarchives.co.nz/. Sound files may not be reused without permission from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives (Reference number CDR624).