The site that the Government Gardens occupies was gifted to the government by the Te Arawa tribe, 'for the benefit of the people of the world'.
We are so lucky that it is one of the free things to do in Rotorua.
As you enter the grounds, what immediately captures the eye is the imposing Elizabethan building that now houses the Rotorua Museum of Art & History (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa). This is 'the most photographed building in New Zealand'.
Once you can tear your gaze away long enough to look around, you will see that there is going to be a lot to look at.