The famous Pink and White terraces

History lovers can embark on a journey of the night Mt Tarawera erupted and destroyed the eighth wonder of the natural world.

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A famous New Zealand ghost story

Just eleven days before the eruption... people reported the disturbing sight of a ghostly waka being paddled across Lake Tarawera.

 

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Preserved by volcanic ash

Preserved by volcanic ash

View the excavated remains and hear the moving story of how one of New Zealand's greatest natural disasters buried a village beneath rock, ash and mud.

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Waterfall and trails

Waterfall and trails

A mesmerising walk along the Wairoa stream takes you to the magnificent waterfall that will take your breath away!

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Out of the Ashes

Out of the Ashes

This award winning heritage attraction shows a rare insight into life before and after the violent eruption in 1886.

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The Buried Village is New Zealand's most visited Archaeological Site, where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption come to life.


Te Wairoa was established by the Christian missionary in 1848 as a model village, but survived for fewer
than 40 years before it, and the nearby Pink and White Terraces were obliterated by the eruption of Mt Tarawera.

VISION

To be NZ’s #1 visited working archaeological centre-of-excellence for future generations, showcasing stories and displays of the Pink and White Terraces, the 1886 Eruption of Mt Tarawera, and the resulting devastation of Te Wairoa - The Buried Village

Opening Hours

Closed Monday / Tuesday       Open Wednesday to Sunday      10am - 4pm

Hours of Operation

Summer October – February 10.00am – last entry 3.45pm
Winter March – September 10.00am – last entry 3.45pm

 

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