AGE INFORMATIONAdult: 18 years +Teenager: 13-17 yearsChildren: 12 years & under

Buried Village of Te Wairoa – Discover Rotorua's Hidden History

North Island

Buried Village of Te Wairoa

from

NZ$30

per adult

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Traditional Māori carved whare with red whakairo patterns at Buried Village

Experiences

History and Māori Culture

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Travel Time: 2 hours

Buried Village of Te Wairoa Experience

Step back in time and uncover the fascinating story of the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, a site that bears witness to one of New Zealand’s greatest natural disasters. In 1886, the violent eruption of Mount Tarawera buried this peaceful village under a thick layer of ash and debris, tragically ending over 150 lives and obliterating the legendary Pink and White Terraces, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

Today, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Smith family over three generations, Te Wairoa has been sensitively preserved and redeveloped into a compelling visitor experience. Through the village’s museum, archaeological site, and picturesque waterfall trail, you’ll uncover the stories of life before, during, and after the eruption.

This immersive journey offers a unique blend of history, archaeology, and natural beauty. Whether you explore independently or join a guided tour, Te Wairoa’s powerful tales and serene surroundings promise an unforgettable experience.

Buried Village Te Wairoa Museum Tarawera Eruption Exhibit Rotorua New Zealand

Children exploring the natural waterfall near Buried Village Rotorua

Traditional waka exhibit and historic panels at the Buried Village museum

Children exploring Buried Village nature trail with a map

Cascading Te Wairoa Falls surrounded by native bush at the Buried Village near Rotorua, New Zealand

Intricately carved Māori gateway inside the Buried Village museum

Detailed wooden carving of a Māori figure at the Buried Village museum

Buried Village guide beside a traditional Māori pātaka (storehouse) in Rotorua

Close-up of Wairere Falls surrounded by lush native bush in Rotorua

New Zealand-themed books, gifts and souvenirs displayed in the Buried Village gift shop

Interior of the Buried Village Tearooms café with wooden chairs and heritage photographs

Remains of a traditional Māori whare surrounded by forest at Buried Village

McRaes Hotel in Te Wairoa village, photographed around 1885

Exterior of the Buried Village museum and entrance in Rotorua

The Buried Village is New Zealand's most visited archaeological site, where you can learn about the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption.

Encounter the award-winning Museum of Te Wairoa exhibition and discover a collection of excavated objects (Taonga) over 130 years old.
Explore the archaeological sites that show the devastation of the eruption on this once busy European and Maori village. Walk among and enter the very sites that once housed the people of Te Wairoa.
Experience unique insights and storytelling from our tour guides, or use an electronic tour app.
Take the beautiful waterfall trail showcasing the stunning Te Wairoa Falls. Feel the thrill as you stand in the spray of the waterfall as it plunges 30 metres into the valley below.
Children can enjoy Smithy's Treasure Hunt, searching through the excavated sites for clues to find treasure at the end of the visit.
Refresh at Smith & Co, offering delicious scones with whipped cream and jam, a great selection of snacks, Devonshire tea, and excellent fresh-ground coffee. You can also browse the range of gifts in our gift store.

Duration

1-2 hours

Bookings are valid for the whole day. We open at 10am, and you can arrive at any time. To make the most of your visit, please arrive by 3:15pm at the latest.

AGE INFORMATION

Adult: 18 years +
Teenager: 13-17 years
Children: 12 years & under

Cancel at least 48 hours in advance to avoid any fees.**
Cancellations within 48 hours will incur a 25% fee.**

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

Discover the haunting yet fascinating story of the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, a site frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. This full-immersion experience takes you back to life before, during, and after the disaster, showcasing remarkable archaeological finds, natural beauty, and rich cultural history.

Arrival and Introduction

Begin your visit with a warm welcome and orientation at the entrance. You’ll gain an overview of the village’s history, the significance of the Pink and White Terraces (the "Eighth Wonder of the World"), and how the eruption changed the lives of the people of Te Wairoa forever.

Te Wairoa Museum (Duration: 30 minutes)

Start your journey at the Te Wairoa Museum, a world-class facility established in 1999. Here, you’ll explore an extensive collection of artefacts unearthed from the volcanic ash, offering a glimpse into life before the eruption. The museum’s displays also detail the aftermath of the eruption, showcasing geological treasures and evocative stories of survival and resilience.

Archaeological Site (Duration: 40 minutes)

Next, take a step back in time as you explore the Archaeological Site, where excavations began in 1931. Wander through the ruins of Te Wairoa and experience the eerie yet powerful remnants of homes, meeting places, and daily life. Opt for the guided tour at 10am, 12pm, or 2pm, where expert guides will bring the village to life with stories of its inhabitants and their fates. Alternatively, use an electronic tour device or download the STQRY app for an engaging self-guided experience.

Waterfall Trail (Duration: 20 minutes)

Conclude your exploration by immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Waterfall Trail. This serene path takes you along the Te Wairoa Stream to the magnificent Wairere Falls, where you can stand at the base of the cascading waters as they plunge 30 metres over the Waitoharuru cliffs. The refreshing spray and lush surroundings offer a moment of tranquillity amidst the history.

Optional Activities

After your tour, enjoy refreshments at Vi’s Teahouse, a charming café established in 1931. Indulge in traditional Devonshire tea, freshly baked scones, or a cup of coffee paired with home baking. Before you leave, browse the Gift Store, home to an impressive collection of authentic carvings, greenstone jewellery, and handcrafted souvenirs.

This self-paced visit offers an unforgettable combination of history, culture, and nature. Whether guided or self-guided, the Buried Village of Te Wairoa invites you to reflect on the resilience of its people and the powerful forces of nature that shaped its story.