[1][2] In the late 19th century, there was growing interest among tourists to visit and bathe in the thermal pools located near the Pink and White Terraces.

Fenton met with 47 Māori leaders to discuss a proposal supporting the creation of a township, resulting in Ngāti Whakaue gifting 50 acres of land along the southern area of Lake Rotorua.

[4] The gift by Ngāti Whakaue was 'hei oranga mo nga iwi katoa o te Ao' - 'for the benefit of the people of the world.

'[3] In Europe, spas had become fashionable meeting places for the middle and upper classes to treat illnesses, diseases, or simply as a social activity.

[6] The newly-created Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, established in 1902, was tasked with constructing the Bath House, which took two years to build, between 1906 and 1908, and cost £40,000.

[9] The bath treatments were thought to be able to successfully treat a series of illnesses such as; Rheumatism, Indigestion, Constipation, Obesity, Sciatica, Nerve Trouble, Spinal Curvature, and Neuritis.

[4] Efforts were made from the beginning to attract international interest, with Admiral Sperry, the commander of the American Atlantic Fleet, invited to participate in the opening ceremony.

[11] By the 1940s, spa treatments greatly declined in popularity, with medical professionals advising that they should be complementary to work done in hospitals, rather than relying on them as a cure-all solution.

[5] In 1902, Dr Arthur Wohlmann, an expert in balneotherapy, was employed by the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, subsequently leaving his home in London to move to Rotorua.