Long-tailed bats have been found at two sites in Rotorua's Sanatorium Reserve.
This is a significant find, being only the third confirmed urban or semi-urban bat location in New Zealand, the Rotorua Lakes Council said in a statement.
Sanatorium Reserve is a unique geothermal landscape on the edge of the Rotorua CBD.
It provides a habitat for endangered birds and rare geothermal plant species and is a popular destination for locals and visitors.
Rotorua Lakes Council and a range of conservation, iwi and other community partners are working together to return this reserve to its former beauty.