Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / North Island / Bay of Plenty Region / Rotorua District / Rotorua / Buried Village of Te Wairoa

Buried Village of Te Wairoa, Rotorua

4.0

#4 of 7 in Historic Sites in Rotorua

#Historic Site, #Tourist Spot

Stories of New Zealand's largest eruption come to life at Buried Village of Te Wairoa, a popular archaeological site in the heart of the volcanic plateau of North Island. Follow the scenic pathways through pristine nature up to the waterfall overlooking the remote volcanic scenery. While there, try to catch a glimpse of the native rainbow trout. At the museum, discover the valuable collection of Victoriana, including the excavated remains of a Maori village and recreated scenes from the lasting devastation of the Tarawera eruption. Ask the guide to tell you the legend of the phantom canoe. Geological treasures include the pink and white terraces, which had been hidden in the depths of the lake but were recently excavated and made available to the public. Amenities include a tearoom nestled in tranquil native bush, a children's playground, and a gift shop. Add Buried Village of Te Wairoa to your Rotorua travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Rotorua itinerary planner .

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Buried Village of Te Wairoa Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

893 reviews

Google

4.2

By Nick G On March 20, 2018

A shocking natural disaster that I’m none the wiser about having visited here. I’d like to think that it’s not because I have a short attention span or I’m any kind of philistine but rather the exhibi... more »
By ChanD92 On March 20, 2018

The museum is very interesting and the lady that we bought the tickets from knew loads of extra bits of infomation! It was a very rainy day but we were kindly given an umbrella. I found it interesting... more »
By kaw118 On March 12, 2018

We were recommended a visit to this former village - it was most interesting & the whole event is very well covered as you walk round the site and the details of the tragedy became apparent. Also the ... more »

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By Gordon Jones On March 3, 2018

Seems to have lost some of its lustre. Signs all aged. I really wanted something to jump out at me like some interactive emersive experience but it just seemed like a long walk seeing much the same thing. Cafe was excellent in every way though.

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By Nicola Faulkner On February 3, 2018

Lovely story of the 1886 eruption of Mt Tawawera that destroyed the town. The walk down to the waterfall is steep and slippery but we'll worth it. Interesting collection of artifacts. There is a treasure hunt for kids with a clue at almost every site. My 5 year old loved reading the clues and searching for them at the next location.

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By Christine Boyce On March 8, 2018

It’s good to visit a place that is and feels real. Although the story that sits behind the discovery of the buried Maori village and European Hotel is horrific the waterfall, that is a real clamber to see, uplifts the spirits. As you visit learn about the 8th wonders of the world in the form of the white and pink terraces and wonder at the lengths people went to to visit this place and the people who lost their lives or survived the volcanic eruption.

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By Peđa Knežević On December 11, 2017

Really interesting insight into a catastrophe. The story is captivating and the displays as well. We have spent here way more than the recommended time amount, so be aware, one can loose it's sense of time here. But hey, that's only good, isn't it? :)

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By Rebekah Taylor On February 17, 2018

Really enjoyed this slice of history. No ph coverage so dont expect to sit and scroll. Some beautiful walks thru nature while learning about our history. And a fantastic museum and gift shop

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