Queen Mary Hospital

Early settlers came to ease aching bodies and to cure medical problems with the antiseptic waters.
In 1916, Queen Mary Hospital replaced a sanitorium that had opened only two years before but was almost immediately burnt to the ground. The hospital was built to treat rheumatic conditions, bone fractures and functional nervous disorders. It also helped with the rehabilitation of soldiers after 20th Century wars.
After 1971 the hospital concentrated on the treatment of alcoholics but was abandoned in 2003. There is some movement towards having it re-opened, in the meantime the Council looks after the remaining buildings and grounds as a historic reserve.

The Sanatorium Hanmer, Image with thanks to Sir George Gray Special Collections, Auckland City Libraries