Entry ticket

Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa

4.8 / 5

21 reviews

Activity provider: Buried Village
Entry ticket

Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa

Activity provider: Buried Village

From US$ 15.49 per person

Discover New Zealand's most-visited archaeological site, where stories of the 1886 Mt. Tarawera eruption come to life. Explore the museum, walk through the archaeological sites, and wander the waterfall trail.

About this ticket

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Valid 1 day
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Host or greeter
English, German, Maori
Audio guide included
English
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit the award-winning museum and view the extensive collection of excavated objects from the 1800’s
  • Explore the archaeological sites
  • Hear the unique insights and stories from local guides or use an electronic tour app
  • Take the beautiful waterfall trail which showcases the stunning Te Wairoa Falls
  • Refresh at the onsite cafe
Full description
Located just a 15-minute drive from Rotorua, the Buried Village of Te Wairoa features an interactive museum, scenic walking trails, and a look at the devastating effects of one of New Zealand’s greatest natural disasters: the Mt. Tarawera volcanic eruption of 1886, which wiped out a natural landmark known as the Pink and White Terraces. The award-winning museum sheds light on the hardships suffered by this once-bustling European and Maori village settlement.  Expect to spend at least 1 and a half hours at the site to get the most out of the experience, which includes audio guides, living history tours, and talks by costumed guides scheduled throughout the day. Gain firsthand insight into the chaos of the night that Mt. Tarawera erupted and destroyed Te Wairoa, a village of Maoris and missionaries excavated under the Kaitiakitanga of the Smith family for nearly 90 years. Refresh at Smith & Co, the onsite cafe offering delicious scones with whipped cream and jam, Kiwi's favorite selection of pastry pies, and Devonshire tea. Take the opportunity to dress up in Victorian style clothing. On the waterfall trail, learn about the native flora and fauna and experience the beauty of a land recovering from violent destruction. Experience the Te Wairoa Falls in a special way as you stand in the mist of the waterfall. At the end of the day, check out the wide range of goods at the gift shop and bring home a special memento.
Includes
  • Buried Village of Te Wairoa entry
  • Museum of Te Wairoa entry
  • Te Wairoa Trail and Waterfalls access
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks - but these are available for purchase

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Participants

Date

Meeting point

Buried Village of Te Wairoa: 1180 Tarawera Rd, Rotorua 3076, New Zealand

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 21 reviews

Review summary

  • Value for money
    4.8/5

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But we wished we had a guide our some commentary available through headsets, etc.

March 24, 2023

February 25, 2023

February 21, 2023

Product ID: 279142