Buried Village of Te Wairoa
Description
Experience New Zealand's most visited archaeological site, and hear stories of the 1886 Mt. Tarawera eruption. This guided tour features a range of historical exhibits nestled in the scenic New Zealand landscape. Visitors can take peaceful walking trails and discover the life stories of the inhabitants whose fates were intertwined with the volcanic eruption. Discover the legacy of the Pink and White Terraces, which were once considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Reviews(129)
What an interesting history that the buried villiage tells us about. A good price for the experience. It took us about an hour to go through the history and walk the grounds. Being August, it was quiet, but it was a lovely educational experience that was enjoyed by us both.
I was a little disappointed, there is a lot of information at the beginning and it is all very interesting, but was a little lost once we walked outside. I wasn't sure exactly what I was looking at. Also we were told there was a wonderful waterfall loop to walk, but then you get there and no loop because of a rockfall, so you were not sure how far to go. More accurate information on this would have been nice. I felt it was a bit overpriced for what it was, although well set out. A great affordable cafe on site is a bonus though.
We visited the Buried Village during our Honeymoon Campervan adventure. Found the museum to be very informative and well worth the trip off the beaten track. As Australians on our first visit to New Zealand we learned a lot about the history and culture while visiting. This location is a stark reminder of how temporary we as humans are in the face of nature's raw fury. The walk through the village and waterfalls was stunning and loved the stories alongside the historical sites. We also enjoyed great service from the curators and coffee shop staff alike. Definitely recommend a visit.
Thank you for your review
Was a surprising little gem of a place. Awesome walk down to a beautiful view of a water fall. Gorgeous little cafe and gift shop. Definitely recommend
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Beautiful scenery Interesting Steep stairs We did it in very heavy rain, but that made it more atmospheric, lush and challenging in some areas. Enjoyed it more than expected.
Thank you for visiting and thank you for your review
Informative and tragic step back in time of the 1886 volcanic eruption which near destroyed the village of Te Wairoa. The personal memoirs from survivors recounted traumatic first-hand experiences brought the event to life.
Kia ora Fran - thanks for your review
We appreciate that this is a small private enterprise, but the price is too high. We were occupied for 1.5hrs. The museum and the waterfall are the highlights. The excavated areas are certainly not Pompeii. Having read and heard about the eruption of 1886 on other tours, we could have skipped this attraction.
Thanks for your feedback, we appreciate your thoughts - due to the nature of the natural environment and the materials used to create the original village we are more a place of storytelling and remembrance than Pompeii which has many more permanent and long lasting features
Amazing place with a real atmosphere. The museum told the story of the volcanic explosion really well. Makes you wonder how we would react if it happened again today.
Thank you for your review - we constantly think about what it would be like for the people if it happened again anywhere in New Zealand
The history is interesting but I loved the path especially by the stream and the waterfall was great, very calming and peaceful even the waterfall .
Thank you - it's one of our favourite places alongside the stream. A lovely place to reflect on the story of what happened here in Te wairoa and the Tarawera area
Fascinating and tragic, so much information. Felt like we got to know individuals and their lives. Really enjoyed learning the history and delicious food in the friendly cafe.
Kia ora - thanks so much for your review - we are glad you enjoyed your visit to us - thanks for calling in to the cafe too
