Buried Village of Te Wairoa

4.5 (131 reviews) 45 min – 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

131 reviews

4.5

Buried Village of Te Wairoa — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Buried Village of Te Wairoa, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience New Zealand's most visited archaeological site, and hear stories of the 1886 Mt. Tarawera eruption. This guided tour features a range of historical exhibits nestled in the scenic New Zealand landscape. Visitors can take peaceful walking trails and discover the life stories of the inhabitants whose fates were intertwined with the volcanic eruption. Discover the legacy of the Pink and White Terraces, which were once considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World.

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At a glance

Duration: 45 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 150 people
People per booking: 1–15
Written guide: German, Chinese, English, French, Dutch, Spanish
Operated by: Buried Village

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Youth (13–18 years) · Adults (19–64 years) · Seniors (65–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Buried Village of Te Wairoa

2 hours Admission included

The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, just a 15-minute drive from Rotorua city, offers a firsthand look at one of New Zealand’s greatest natural disasters. Learn about the devastating effects when Mt. Tarawera erupted in 1886, which buried Te Wairoa and ended more than 150 lives. Now, well over a century later, the excavated village provides a unique opportunity to see how the area's Maori inhabitants and early settlers lived.

Guided group tours, audio/video tours, and talks, which are included with your admission ticket, are scheduled throughout the day. Learn about the geological and geothermal features of Lake Tarawera, Mt. Tarawera, and the surrounding lakes region. Find out what happened to the Pink and White Terraces, once a popular natural landmark. Discover how the village of Te Wairoa came to be, the role it played in developing the region, and how its legacy continues to influence New Zealand's tourism industry to this day.

Encounter the world-class Museum of Te Wairoa and its collection of excavated objects. Explore the archaeological site, which reveals the devastation of the eruption, and walk a paved path along the very sites that the people of Te Wairoa once called home. Take the Waterfall Trail to Wairere Falls, which plunges 98 feet (30 meters) to the valley below.

Head to Vi's Teahouse for delicious scones, Devonshire tea, and excellent coffee, or browse the range of gifts in the gift store. Children can search through the excavated sites for clues, or go to the Adventure Playground.

Allow 1–1.5 hours to experience the entire Buried Village.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Using your ticket

Please call the number provided for more information regarding times of scheduled group tours and talksHours of operation:

Summer (Oct-Feb): 9am - 5pm
Winter (Mar-Sep): 9am - 4:30pm

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Bring walking shoes and protection from adverse weather. The paths are flat and paved but the optional waterfall trail has several flights of stairs.
Hat, sunscreen, umbrella or raincoat are recommended
Self-guided tour
You can arrive at any time throughout the day, and stay for as long you'd like
Wheelchair available for public use - please inquire at reception