General admission to the Buried Village of Te WairoaEntry to the Museum of Te WairoaAccess to the excavated village remainsEntry to the Te Wairoa Falls TrailVisitor information throughout the siteSmithy’s Treasure Hunt for childrenWhat to BringComfortable walking shoesWeather-appropriate clothingWaterproof jacketWater bottleSunscreen and insect repellentCamera

Recommended visit time: Approximately 1–2 hoursLocation: 1180 Tarawera Road, Lake TaraweraExperience type: General admissionVisit style: Self-pacedIncludes: Museum, archaeological site and waterfall trailSuitable for: Adults, families and school-age childrenTransport: Visitors make their own way to the attraction

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

Buried Village of Te Wairoa General Admission

North Island

Buried Village of Te Wairoa

from

NZ$30

per adult

Book Now

Te Wairoa Buried Village in Rotorua, New Zealand

Experiences

History and Māori Culture

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Travel Time: 2 hours

The Story of Te Wairoa and the 1886 Eruption

Te Wairoa was once a thriving settlement and an important stopping point for visitors travelling to the Pink and White Terraces. The village, established by Tūhourangi and missionary Seymour Spencer, was devastated during the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera, leaving behind one of New Zealand’s most significant archaeological sites.

General admission includes access to the Museum of Te Wairoa, the excavated village remains and the Te Wairoa Falls Trail. Historical artefacts, photographs and interpretation share the stories of the people who lived here, while the outdoor pathways lead through the former village and down to the 30-metre waterfall.

Buried Village Te Wairoa Museum Tarawera Eruption Exhibit Rotorua New Zealand

Traditional Māori carved whare with red whakairo patterns at Buried Village

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

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

Highlights

Learn how the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera changed Te Wairoa
View artefacts recovered from beneath volcanic material
Walk among the remains of village homes and buildings
Hear the stories of Tūhourangi guides and early visitors
Follow the native bush trail to Te Wairoa Falls
Combine Rotorua history, archaeology and nature in one visit

General admission to the Buried Village of Te Wairoa
Entry to the Museum of Te Wairoa
Access to the excavated village remains
Entry to the Te Wairoa Falls Trail
Visitor information throughout the site
Smithy’s Treasure Hunt for children

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Camera

Recommended visit time: Approximately 1–2 hours
Location: 1180 Tarawera Road, Lake Tarawera
Experience type: General admission
Visit style: Self-paced
Includes: Museum, archaeological site and waterfall trail
Suitable for: Adults, families and school-age children
Transport: Visitors make their own way to the attraction

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.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The museum, outdoor village remains, waterfall trail and children’s activities make the Buried Village a suitable Rotorua attraction for families.

The Buried Village is located at 1180 Tarawera Road near Lake Tarawera, around 15 minutes by car from central Rotorua.

Te Wairoa was devastated during the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera. The preserved remains now form one of Rotorua’s most important historical and archaeological attractions.

Most visitors spend approximately one to two hours at the Buried Village, depending on how much time they spend in the museum, archaeological site and waterfall area.

General admission includes entry to the Museum of Te Wairoa, the excavated village remains and the Te Wairoa Falls Trail.