Victorian Costumes Bring Village to life

Get a glimpse into the past at the Buried Village of Te Wairoa. As of January 2012 visitors have been greeted by staff dressed in period costume from the Victorian Era. The women’s lavish custom made dresses are complete with copious petticoats and the gentlemen are attired in bowler hats with waistcoats to match.

The costumes depict a time in the 1800’s when European visitors would visit Te Wairoa to set out on a guided tour to view the magnificent Pink and White Terraces. The elegantly dressed women and gentlemen would embark on the full day journey to the Terraces, where they would spend the day bathing in therapeutic waters before returning to Te Wairoa to be entertained by the local Maori.

Today to enhance the Buried Village experience visitors have the option of joining a guided tour through the excavated sites. An experienced guide in full costume will take visitors on a journey sharing the stories of the people of Te Wairoa and the tragedy that played out on the fateful night of June 10th 1886 when Mount Tarawera erupted.