War Memorial Park is a heritage lakefront park on the edge of Lake Rotorua in the heart of Rotorua, located on Lakefront Drive adjacent to the city centre. The park was developed as Rotorua’s Second World War memorial — opened on Anzac Day 1958 after years of community fundraising and lakefront reclamation — and remains the city’s principal war memorial site. Following the broader $40 million Rotorua lakefront redevelopment from 2021, the park and surrounding lakefront have been substantially improved with new landscaping, playground infrastructure, and improved connections to the city cycleway. Entry is free.
Practical Information
| Location | Lakefront Drive, central Rotorua — on the edge of Lake Rotorua adjacent to the main visitor area |
| Entry | Free; open daily |
| Facilities | Picnic areas, BBQ facilities, playground, drinking water, toilets |
| Size | 16.9 acres |
| Nearby | Government Gardens, Polynesian Spa, Rotorua lakefront walkway |
The War Memorial
Rotorua’s citizens began fundraising in 1951 to create a memorial park beside Lake Rotorua in honour of those who served in the Second World War. Contracts for the reclamation of the lakefront and construction of the memorial gates were let in 1955, and on Anzac Day 1958 the park was officially opened and the gates dedicated. The memorial gates bear four granite tablets listing the names, ranks, and serial numbers of 93 men from the Rotorua area who were killed on active service.
An olive tree gifted by the people of Crete to New Zealand veterans of the Battle of Crete was planted in the park in October 1972. In April 1993, additional plaques were added to commemorate service in the Malayan Emergency and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, acknowledging the broader range of conflicts in which Rotorua people served.
The Lakefront Redevelopment
From 2021, the Rotorua lakefront — including the area around War Memorial Park — has been the subject of a $40 million redevelopment project. The works have introduced improved landscaping, a children’s playground, reconfigured carparking, and new connections to the city cycleway network. The redevelopment has substantially changed the character of the lakefront, making it more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists while improving the amenity of the park setting.
“War Memorial Park is a lovely spot on the Rotorua lakefront — the memorial gates are genuinely moving, and the park is well set up for picnics with the lake view. Good starting point for the lakefront walkway.” — visitor account
Where to Learn More
NZ History — Rotorua Citizens War Memorial — history of the memorial, fundraising, dedication, and roll of honour.
Rotorua NZ — War Memorial Park — visitor information and current facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is War Memorial Park in Rotorua?
On Lakefront Drive in central Rotorua, directly on the edge of Lake Rotorua. It is adjacent to Government Gardens and the main lakefront visitor area — walkable from the city centre.
Is War Memorial Park free to visit?
Yes — the park is free to enter and open daily. All facilities including BBQs, picnic areas, and playground are free to use.
Who is commemorated at War Memorial Park?
The memorial gates honour 93 men from the Rotorua area killed on active service in the Second World War. Additional plaques commemorate service in the Malayan Emergency and the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
What is the olive tree in the park?
An olive tree gifted by the people of Crete to New Zealand veterans of the Battle of Crete, planted in October 1972 in recognition of the connection between Rotorua servicemen and the Cretan people during the war.
What are the facilities at War Memorial Park?
Picnic areas, BBQ facilities, a children’s playground, drinking water, and toilets. The park is part of the broader Rotorua lakefront redevelopment which added improved landscaping and cycleway connections.
War Memorial Park is on the Rotorua lakefront walkway. See the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for other options, and the Government Gardens guide for the heritage lakefront park immediately adjacent.
