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Rotorua & Taupo Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
New Zealand's most visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mount Tarawera Eruption come to life!
Highlights
- Visit the award-winning Museum of Te Wairoa exhibition
- Explore the archaeological sites which reveal the devastation of the eruption
- Gain unique insights with guided storytelling or by using our electronic tour app
- Children can partake in Smithy's Treasure Hunt with clues around the excavated sites
- Take a stroll along the waterfall trail to Te Wairoa Falls
The violent volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886 which engulfed the village of Te Wairoa in rocks, ash and mud. 150 lives were lost and the eighth wonder of the world; The Pink and White Terraces vanished.
Step back in time and learn the history of Te Wairoa village!
Museum of Te Wairoa - Displayed are a large array of objects over 90 years old excavated from the ruins of the eruption and exhibits of the early settlers.
Archaeological Site - Explore the devastation of the eruption as you walk through the excavated sites which once housed the people of Te Wairoa.
Waterfall Trail - View the magnificent Te Wairoa stream and Wairere Falls. Catch a glimpse of the trout in the stream making their way through the crystal clear waters and feel the spray from the stunning waterfall as it plunges 30 metres over the Waitoharuru cliffs.
Smith & Co Cafe + Gift Store - Established in 1931, Smith & Co Cafe and Gift Store provide famous Devonshire Tea and Scones, excellent coffee, delicious home baking and check out the great range of eco-friendly giftware and NZ books.
Children - The kids will love digging in the discovery room and exploring the Buried Village with Smithy our archaeologist, and playing on the playground at the end!
All prices are shown in NZD ($)
- Adult$25.00
- Teen$10.00
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Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 351 authenticated Bookme reviews
Clive Pahl from New Zealand wrote on 26 October 2023
Very good
Very beautiful and we really enjoyed it
shaunl1 from New Zealand wrote on 21 July 2021
A must do
An awesome experience and the tour guide was well informed and funny. The water falls are amazing 🤩
Alana from New Zealand wrote on 12 July 2021
buried treasure
great experience, kids loved the treasure hunt! the waterfall walk is lovely & challenging. we learnt alot being immersed in history and reading the different stories of people who lived through the eruption.
Julie Fairman from United Kingdom wrote on 17 November 2024
Great little history lesson
We wanted to find out more of the history of the area and this place gave that. Excellent exhibition and lots of information
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benhulme from New Zealand wrote on 06 October 2024
Great Family Time
My kids are between 11 and 15, and I was hoping they'd still be interested in doing something without technology. Needless to say, they were all into it! We did the Treasure hunt, which turned into a very competitive aspect of our exploration. We were reading almost every sign, paying close attention to every detail on the journey. We even strayed off the path to feed grass to a giant goat and too very wooly sheep which was out of reach for them. The grass is always greener! The staff were super friendly, and even gave us a summary right at the start of what the village was, what happened and why they're there today. A super affordable experience, and definitely worth every cent! Lake Tarawera is only a few minutes drive beyond (which they also recommended seeing at the end), and made for a great morning with the family. A photo of my eldest and I doing a dress up there has been added.