History
The Taupo (pronounced Toe Paw) or Tapuaharuru area was first settled by the maori people late in the 14th century and has a long history associated with the Tuwharetoa people.
During the 1870's the men of the Armed Constabulary (AC) bathed and socialised at the thermal area called Lofley's Glen (now the Spa Hotel site). When owner Edward Lofley raised the price of beer, the enraged constables boycotted his bar. Lofley countered by forbidding them the use of his bath house and they then made their own thermal baths nearby, beside a promising hot spring we now call the AC spring.
The rest is history. In 1883 the Armed Constabulary dug their own pool, lined it with totara slabs and built a small changing shed alongside. The pools were a success and eventually the AC Baths Domain came under the control of the Taupo Domain Board established in 1895.
The AC Baths were more than a hot pool treat. They were a necessity for hygiene as there was no electricity or reticulated water in private homes in Taupo until the 1950's. Thus generations of locals and visitors "washed" at the old AC Baths.
AC Baths underwent re-development in early 1920's, 1950's, 1970's and again in 2003.
For more local History, visit the Taupo Museum site.
The AC Baths has an unique history and will continue to be a true Kiwi icon.
