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Guthrie 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 inNZD ($)
- Adult$25.00
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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 387 authenticated Bookme reviews
From The Buried Village - Archaeological Site and Museum Admission
Thank you Robyn, We are glad you enjoyed your visit
jeanettec6 fromNew Zealand wrote on 10 August 2025
Buried village
This exceeded our expectations...it was well worth taking time out to have a slow ambient around tgecwell maintained track..and the waterfall wes amazing... Highly recommended
From The Buried Village - Archaeological Site and Museum Admission
Kia ora, Thanks for the review
Sarah Whittles fromNew Zealand wrote on 08 August 2025
Burried Villiage - fantastic
Absolutely fantastic. We loved the VR experience - really got a feeling of what it must have been like and an immersive experience that brought the museum to life. Loved how the museum really focused on the human experience through the different families and guides etc, so that it's not just some random catastrophe that happened but a life changing, harrowing experience for people not so different to you or me. The whole museum and walk was a very powerful and affecting experience. Thank you
From The Buried Village - Archaeological Site and Museum Admission
Thank you for your amazing review. We are so glad the VR experience was enjoyed and added value to your visit
Stafford tamaki fromNew Zealand wrote on 14 July 2025
Awesome experience
Went on a rainy day but kids and adults loved it! Highly recommend!
From The Buried Village - Archaeological Site and Museum Admission
Thanks for coming
Tania fromNew Zealand wrote on 08 July 2025
Moment in time
Amazing experience, so many stories shared to take you back to that heart-wrenching moment in time. Loved Margaret's well written letters too.
From The Buried Village - Archaeological Site and Museum Admission
Thanks for your review
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Robyn Lemsing fromAustralia wrote on 01 October 2025
Worth the visit
Had a great time at the Buried Village - the price on Bookme was at a great discount which was a bonus. I paid extra to do the VR experience which I really enjoyed, it was an eye opener into how the lives of the people of the buried village were effected. The walk around the village to see some of the ruins was a very easy and relaxing stroll, the ruins were all sign posted so we knew what we were looking at. There is a lovely stream running through the property right next to the walkway back to the café and gift shop. The lady in the gift was lovely to chat to.