Nobody would have believed in June 10 1886, that the serenity enjoyed by the inhabitants of Te Wairoa would be shattered by an outpouring of the Earth's fury. Few would have dreamed as the eighth wonder of the world - the fantastic Pink and White Terraces - sparkled in the moonlight, events deep in the ground were menacingly unfolding.
Te Wairoa Village, in a valley above Lake Tarawera, was established by a Christian Missionary in 1848. It was abandoned during the land wars of the 1860's, then repopulated a few years later as the staging post to the Pink and White Terraces.
Violent and unexpected, the eruption was New Zealand's greatest natural disaster. For more than four terrifying hours, rocks, ash and boiling hot mud bombarded the peaceful village. The fiery glow in the night sky and the thunderous roar of the explosions were seen and heard as far away as Auckland.
In the gloom of the day, the wreckage of the hotels and houses, and the burial of 5000 square miles of scenic countryside brought awe and dismay to rescuers.
The eruption destroyed the Terraces and buried Te Wairoa and two smaller villages under hot heavy ash and mud.
More than 150 lives were lost.
Museum of Te Wairoa
Visitors can take an emotional journey through the museum which tells the fascinating story of Te Wairoa village, the voyages to the Pink and White Terraces and the eruption of Mount Tarawera.
See artifacts and remnants recovered from the village and experience a night in the Rotomahana Hotel with one of the guests at the time of the volcanic eruption.
Also included in the museum are displays on archaeology and vulcanology, and a children's discovery room.
Excavated Archaeological Sites
View this registered historic area, where Maori whare and settler buildings have been excavated to their original floor level.
Amongst the excavated sites you will find a special peacefulness. The 12 acre park-like setting filled with tall trees, meadows, native birds, wildlife, peace and tranquility.
Natural Features
Wander the scenic pathways that link the sites, enjoy pristine native bush, view the sensational wilderness above the Wairere Falls looking out over remote volcanic scenery and catch a glimpse of the wild rainbow trout that inhibit the Te Wairoa stream.
Be thrilled by the hike to stand in the spray of the magnificent Te Wairere Falls which plunge 30 metres to the bush-clad valley below.
Guided Tours
Guided Tours are complimentary with general admissions and leave at various times during the day. Allow 30 minutes. Exclusive guided tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more by arrangement.
The Tuhourangi people were the original inhabitants of Tarawera and have a long history of welcoming and guiding visitors. They were New Zealand 's first tourism entrepreneurs taking visitors to the terraces. Today their descendants proudly guide at the Buried Village .
Te Wairoa Tearooms
Visitors can relax and enjoy the best in home style cooking. Devonshire teas and scones are our specialty, excellent coffee and delicious cakes, quiches, paninis and fresh salads.
There is seating inside for 45 people, covered terrace area for 30 people and the outside tea garden area seats 30.
A children's playground is adjacent to the tea garden.
The park set in pristine native bush provides a tranquil setting for picnics.
Hours of Operation
Summer November - March 8.30am - 5.30pm
Winter April - October 9.00am - 4.30pm
We welcome visitors who wish to visit after hours to wander through the park or have a picnic and exit via the main gate.
Please allow 1 - 1.5 hours to view
General Admission Prices
Adult $22.00
Child $6.00
Family Pass (2 Adults & Children) $45.00
Student $20.00
Senior Citizen $20.00
Coach Captain/Tour Guide FOC
Exclusive Guided Group Tour Add $2.00 per head to above prices $2.00
Contact us
Address:Tarawera Road No 5
Phone: 64-7-362-8287
Email:info@buriedvillage.co.nz
Website: www.buriedvillage.co.nz
