- Buried Village of Te Wairoa - The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, just a 15-minute drive from Rotorua city, offers a firsthand look at one of New Zealand’s greatest natural disasters. Learn about the devastating effects when Mt. Tarawera erupted in 1886, which buried Te Wairoa and ended more than 150 lives. Now, well over a century later, the excavated village provides a unique opportunity to see how the area’s Maori inhabitants and early settlers lived.
Guided group tours, audio/video tours, and talks, which are included with your admission ticket, are scheduled throughout the day. Learn about the geological and geothermal features of Lake Tarawera, Mt. Tarawera, and the surrounding lakes region. Find out what happened to the Pink and White Terraces, once a popular natural landmark. Discover how the village of Te Wairoa came to be, the role it played in developing the region, and how its legacy continues to influence New Zealand’s tourism industry to this day.
Encounter the world-class Museum of Te Wairoa and its collection of excavated objects. Explore the archaeological site, which reveals the devastation of the eruption, and walk a paved path along the very sites that the people of Te Wairoa once called home. Take the Waterfall Trail to Wairere Falls, which plunges 98 feet (30 meters) to the valley below.
Head to Vi’s Teahouse for delicious scones, Devonshire tea, and excellent coffee, or browse the range of gifts in the gift store. Children can search through the excavated sites for clues, or go to the Adventure Playground.
Allow 1–1.5 hours to experience the entire Buried Village.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Food and drinks
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Explore the most frequented historical site in New Zealand, and delve into narratives about the Mt. Tarawera eruption in 1886. The guided expedition reveals a host of enlightening exhibits set amidst the picturesque New Zealand backdrop. Guests have the opportunity to stroll along tranquil walking paths and learn about the lives of the people whose destinies were intricately tied to the volcanic outburst. Uncover the heritage of the Pink and White Terraces, which were formerly acknowledged as the unofficial Eighth Wonder of the World.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Bring walking shoes and protection from adverse weather. The paths are flat and paved but the optional waterfall trail has several flights of stairs.
- Hat, sunscreen, umbrella or raincoat are recommended
- Self-guided tour
- You can arrive at any time throughout the day, and stay for as long you’d like
- Wheelchair available for public use - please inquire at reception
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.