Become a Rotorua Museum volunteer guide

'Outside the Walls' Walking Tours were created the day Rotorua Museum was forced to close in November 2016. Photo / File

Rotorua Museum is starting a free 12-week training course for people who are interested in becoming a volunteer guide for Government Gardens tours.

"Outside the Walls" Walking Tours were created the day Rotorua Museum was forced to close in November 2016 due to earthquake damage, and quickly evolved into twice-daily free tours of Government Gardens.

The tours have ensured stories about Rotorua's unique environment, people and the historic Bath House building continue to be shared.

More than 4000 people have taken tours to date.

The innovative and informative engagement led to recognition of the "Outside the Walls" Walking Tour Guides when they were named supreme winner at the Trustpower Rotorua Lakes Community Awards in 2017.

Volunteer guide coordinator Julie Parsons is looking for more people to join the award-winning guiding group with the free 12-week training course beginning Wednesday May 30.

"If you are interested in learning more about the history of Rotorua and enjoy meeting new people, this is a great opportunity to do something different," Parsons said.

Training will include weekly sessions on Wednesday mornings and will cover a wide range of topics.

Parsons will be at the Rotorua Arts & Community Expo at the Rotorua Arts Village on Saturday May 19 from 10am-12pm for any questions or further information.

Alternatively, to learn more and register your interest, contact Julie.parsons@rotorualc.nz or register at www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz/support-us.