Geothermal resources in the Rotorua area have been put to a number of practical uses, many of which are described in this article. The use of the geothermal resource in this region has a long history, well and truly pre-dating European settlement. The earliest uses were for bathing, washing and cooking, these being made possible by the existence of suitable natural features. Today, geothermal is applied to a variety of domestic and commercial heating and other purposes. It is used for both the heat it can provide and the “mineral” water content of the fluid; however, geothermal is not available over the whole city