Buried Village of Te Wairoa

The Buried Village Rotorua with its award-winning museum, recreated pioneer cottage, Maori whare and excavated sites is a must-see for anyone visiting Rotorua.

The scenic nature trails, including a walk to a stunning waterfall, and the café onsite are attractions in their own right.

The excavated village offers a first hand insight into the chaos and mayhem that transpired on the night Mount Tarawera erupted. It is an authentic appreciation of the people of Te Wairoa, both Maori and European, on how they lived… and died. Rotorua offers numerous adrenaline-charged rides, cultural experiences and geothermal parks but it’s Buried Village of Te Wairoa is unique.

Established by the Christian missionary in 1848 as a model village, Te Wairoa survived for fewer than 40 years before it, and the nearby Pink and White Terraces were obliterated by the eruption of Mt Tarawera. On June 10 1886, spewing rock, ash and mud killed more than 150 people, engulfed several settlements and destroyed the marble-like terraces at Lake Rotomahana, which were internationally regarded as "the eighth wonder of the world".

Sensitive redevelopment by three generations of the Smith Family, including excavation of buried buildings and homes, allows visitors to discover a grimly fascinating piece of New Zealand history.