1909 Deverell Map of Rotorua, New Zealand and Environs, Hot Springs

Crown Jewel of New Zealand's Tourist Industry.

This is a c. 1909 Walter Deverell promotional map of the 'Wonderland' volcanic Hot Lakes region around Rotorua, on the North Island of New Zealand. At the time, this area was a major focus of government efforts to promote tourism, including the world's first government-funded tourism department.

A Closer Look

The map covers from the north side of Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti down to Taupo Moana (Lake Taupo), while an inset at the bottom-right covers from Taupo to Pipiriki, taking in Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand's largest active volcano. Cities and towns are labeled, as are waterways and mountains, with elevations noted. Coach roads, automobile roads, railways, and foot paths are traced throughout in red and black lines. Promotional text for 'Government Tourist Bureaux' appears on the right.

Rotorua - Centerpiece of the Health Tourism Industry

In the late 19th century, Rotorua emerged as the crown jewel of New Zealand's burgeoning tourism industry, largely driven by the Victorian fascination with the health benefits of natural springs. Following a devastating 1886 eruption of nearby Mount Tarawera, which destroyed the world-famous Pink and White Terraces (hitherto the colony's main tourist attraction), the government shifted its focus toward formalizing the region as a premier health spa. The Crown partnered with local Ngāti Whakaue to establish Rotorua township as a tourist resort. This era saw the region transition from a rugged frontier to a curated sanatorium, where the area's unique geothermal chemistry was marketed as a miracle cure for ailments ranging from rheumatism to sciatica. A rail link with Auckland was quickly established, and by 1894, an express train allowed for day trips.

The early 20th century marked a period of development, intended to make the volcanic landscape more comfortable for visitors. The Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, established in 1901 as the world's first government-funded tourism department, invested heavily in the Government Gardens. The centerpiece was the Tudor-style Bath House (1908), a grand structure offering elaborate hydrotherapy treatments. Surrounding the geysers and steam vents, manicured lawns, bowling greens, and rose gardens were laid out to create a sense of British gentility amidst the sulfurous vents and bubbling mud of the Whakarewarewa Valley. While the infrastructure was modeled on European lines, part of the enduring appeal of Rotorua has been the incorporation of Māori culture and hospitality, combining stunning natural sites with cultural performances, weaving, and traditional haka.

Publication History and Census

This map was prepared by Walter Deverell and printed by John Mackay. It is undated, but cataloged in the OCLC as c. 1909, although several editions may exist. In any event, the map in any edition is only cataloged among the holdings of Stanford University, the National Library of Australia, and the National Library of New Zealand.

Cartographers

Walter Deverell (c. 1853 - 1920) was a surveyor and draftsman active in New Zealand in the early 20th century. He immigrated to New Zealand at a young age and began to work at the Lands and Survey Department in 1875. Initially posted in Dunedin, he spent most of his career at the department's Invercargill office, where he rose to be Chief Draughtsman. Deverell created detailed maps of the North and South Islands for parliamentary papers, along with topographic wall maps, maps for tourist guides, and more. He retired in 1917, upon which he was roundly praised as an expert draughtsman.   Further Details...

John Mackay (1851 - 1937), sometimes stylized as MacKay, was a Scottish-born New Zealand printer who rose to be appointed Government Printer at the turn of the 20th century. Born in Fifeshire, he moved to Dunedin in New Zealand, where he was educated. He began working as a printer in Dunedin in 1871, for a time with George Fenwick and later as the senior partner of Mackay, Risk and Munro. In 1888, he sold his share of the business to his partners and became factory manager for the Evening Star, the most prominent newspaper in Dunedin. In 1896, he was appointed Government Printer, a position he held until 1916.   Further Details...

Condition

Good. Wear along original fold lines. Slight loss at centerfold. Discoloration at centerfold. Closed margin tears professionally repaired on verso.

References

OCLC 74812664. National Library of Australia Bib ID 1825671 (alternate printing, without text at right).