Exhibition Centre and Museum

Explore the special history of this unique island with a visit to Rotoroa's state-of-the-art exhibition centre.

Designed by award-winning architects Pearson and Associates, the exhibition centre tells the story of Rotoroa's past, from its Maori and early European history to its many years in private isolation as New Zealand's first and longest running addiction treatment centre.

Curated by historian Kaaren Hiyama, the exhibition tells the story of the Sallies and the community of care they created on the island. Over 12,000 admissions were made to Rotoroa in its 100 year history; the story of some of these patients, and their Salvation Army carers, are recounted here.