Product Overview

Discover New Zealand's most-visited archaeological site, where stories of the 1886 Mt. Tarawera eruption come to life. Explore the museum, walk through the archaeological sites, and wander the waterfall trail

Product Description

Located just a 15-minute drive from Rotorua, the Buried Village of Te Wairoa features an interactive museum, scenic walking trails, and a look at the devastating effects of one of New Zealand’s greatest natural disasters: the Mt. Tarawera volcanic eruption of 1886, which wiped out a natural landmark known as the Pink and White Terraces.

The award-winning museum sheds light on the hardships suffered by this once-bustling European and Maori village settlement.  Expect to spend at least 1 and a half hours at the site to get the most out of the experience.

Gain firsthand insight into the chaos of the night that Mt. Tarawera erupted and destroyed Te Wairoa, a village of Maoris and missionaries excavated under the Kaitiakitanga of the Smith family for 90 years.

Refresh at Smith & Co, the onsite cafe offering delicious scones with whipped cream and jam, Kiwi's favorite selection of pastry pies, and Devonshire tea. 

Take the opportunity to dress up in Victorian style clothing. On the waterfall trail, learn about the native flora and fauna and experience the beauty of a land recovering from violent destruction.

Experience the Te Wairoa Falls in a special way as you stand in the mist of the waterfall. At the end of the day, check out the wide range of goods at the gift shop and bring home a special memento.

Departure Times

Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm

Last entry time 3.45pm

 

Duration

1-1.5 hours

What To Bring

Comfortable shoes

Raincoat for wet weather - we have a supply of umbrellas available 

Your Get your guide ticket downloaded or screenshot 

Company Info

Ninety years ago, when Reginald and Violet Smith came to Te Wairoa, amid the great depression they got derelict tearooms up and running. Cream was made from the family cow and their two young boys collected blackberries to make jam. With no electricity scones were cooked over an old woodfired stove. People were eager to visit the remains of the Te Wairoa village and Vi’s tea and scones a welcome refreshment, still famous today.  

Discovering a rare stone Pataka signaled a new direction for the family. Aided by old photographs the family began uncovering parts of village that lay below, covered in volcanic mud from the 1886 Tarawera eruption.

While the start of the Buried Village may have happened unintentionally, from that moment on the Smith family have proceeded with passionate intentions, preserving history, passing on the knowledge gained over 90 years and continuing our own family legacy.

Four generations of the Smith family have managed the Buried Village which once again became an anchor for Tarawera as a tourist destination, just as it had been in the mid 1800’s.

Come and experience Tarawera’s history, 20 minutes from Rotorua’s CBD, a picturesque scenic drive, you’ll find us just past Rotorua’s Blue and Green Lakes.