Buried Village of Te Wairoa Tour
Rotorua, New Zealand
Trip Type: Historical & Heritage Tours
Duration: Flexible
Experience New Zealand's most visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption come to life. The tour features a range of historical exhibits nestled in the scenic New Zealand landscape. Visitors enjoy the peaceful walking trails as they interact with the life stories of the individuals whose fates were intertwined the with Mt Tarawera eruption. Discover the legacy of the Pink and White Terraces, which were once considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.
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Experience New Zealand's most visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption come to life. The tour features a range of historical exhibits nestled in the scenic New Zealand landscape. Visitors enjoy the peaceful walking trails as they interact with the life stories of the individuals whose fates were intertwined the with Mt Tarawera eruption. Discover the legacy of the Pink and White Terraces, which were once considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.The Buried Village is a scenic 15-minute drive from Rotorua city and located on Tarawera Road. The Buried Village offers a first-hand insight into the chaos and disaster of the night that Mount Tarawera erupted.
The eruption of Mount Tarawera was one of New Zealand’s greatest natural disasters in 1886, devasting the Village of Te Wairoa and ending more than 150 lives. Now over 130 years later the Village is uncovered and offers a unique experience to see how Maori and early settlers lived their lives together.
Learn about the geological and geothermal features of Lake Tarawera, Mt. Tarawera and the surrounding lakes region. Discover the legacy of the Pink and White Terraces, which were once considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.
Learn how the village of Te Wairoa came to be, the role it played in developing the region, and how its legacy continues to influence the New Zealand tourism industry to this day.
Encounter the world-class Museum of Te Wairoa and be enriched in the collection of excavated objects over 80 years old. Explore the archaeological site which reveals the devastation of the eruption. Walk among and enter the very sites that the people of Te Wairoa once called home. Experience the unique insights of the stories from our tour guides or try our electronic tour devices.
Take the Waterfall trail which showcases the stunning Wairere Falls. Be thrilled as you stand in the spray of the waterfall as it plunges 30 meters to the valley below. Refresh at Vi's Teahouse offering delicious scones, Devonshire Tea, and excellent coffee or browse the range of gifts in our gift store.
Children can enjoy Smithy's Guide Map searching through the excavated sites for clues, followed by enjoying the Adventure Playground.
The whole Buried Village experience takes around 1-1.5 hours (including the Museum of Te Wairoa, Archaeological Site, and the Waterfall Trail)
When visiting us, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for adverse weather. Depending on the season please bring a hat and sunscreen; or an umbrella or raincoat.
At the Buried Village there is something for everyone, we look forward to seeing you soon!
The eruption of Mount Tarawera was one of New Zealand’s greatest natural disasters in 1886, devasting the Village of Te Wairoa and ending more than 150 lives. Now over 130 years later the Village is uncovered and offers a unique experience to see how Maori and early settlers lived their lives together.
Learn about the geological and geothermal features of Lake Tarawera, Mt. Tarawera and the surrounding lakes region. Discover the legacy of the Pink and White Terraces, which were once considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.
Learn how the village of Te Wairoa came to be, the role it played in developing the region, and how its legacy continues to influence the New Zealand tourism industry to this day.
Encounter the world-class Museum of Te Wairoa and be enriched in the collection of excavated objects over 80 years old. Explore the archaeological site which reveals the devastation of the eruption. Walk among and enter the very sites that the people of Te Wairoa once called home. Experience the unique insights of the stories from our tour guides or try our electronic tour devices.
Take the Waterfall trail which showcases the stunning Wairere Falls. Be thrilled as you stand in the spray of the waterfall as it plunges 30 meters to the valley below. Refresh at Vi's Teahouse offering delicious scones, Devonshire Tea, and excellent coffee or browse the range of gifts in our gift store.
Children can enjoy Smithy's Guide Map searching through the excavated sites for clues, followed by enjoying the Adventure Playground.
The whole Buried Village experience takes around 1-1.5 hours (including the Museum of Te Wairoa, Archaeological Site, and the Waterfall Trail)
When visiting us, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for adverse weather. Depending on the season please bring a hat and sunscreen; or an umbrella or raincoat.
At the Buried Village there is something for everyone, we look forward to seeing you soon!
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