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Motutawa Island (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!
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
- Teen$10.00
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- Adult$12.50 Less than 6 at this price!
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Authenticated Reviews
Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support
- emergencyStunning waterfall and beautiful natural surroundings (25 people said this)
- emergencyEngaging and informative museum with well-presented exhibits (22 people said this)
- emergencyFriendly and helpful staff enhancing the overall experience (18 people said this)
- emergencyThe treasure hunt for kids was a highlight, making it fun for families (15 people said this)
- emergencyEasy walking paths and well-marked routes to explore (14 people said this)
- emergencyThe VR experience added a unique and immersive touch (10 people said this)
- star_shineBring good footwear for the waterfall walk.
Consider visiting earlier in the day to fully enjoy the experience.
Showing all 407 authenticated Bookme reviews
From The Buried Village - Archaeological Site and Museum Admission
Thanks for coming to visit us and learn the fascinating history of Te Wairoa
Karen Watson from New Zealand wrote on 30 March 2026
AWESOME
Totally enjoyed this, have never been before My hubby said he went here on school trip at intermediate, he was telling me what he remembers So he went 54 years ago... he really enjoyed his second trip here
From The Buried Village - Archaeological Site and Museum Admission
Thanks for coming back to visit us Many New Zealand school children have had educational visits to the Buried village over the years - it's great hearing stories of what they remember from their visits
Judith Peterson from Australia wrote on 04 March 2026
lovely 2 hours spent learning about this event
WE had a lovely time at the buried village - the staff were freindly and helpful - the information was useful and interesting
Axel Conrad Schlegel from Germany wrote on 21 May 2026
Gut aufgearbeitet, aber nicht wirklich begraben
The town wasn't really buried. I had somehow imagined something like Pompeii, but it was just a few stones in a meadow and some wooden huts they'd set up. The information signs repeated themselves quite often, at least in parts. The experience was geared toward children, but it didn't seem interesting to them. The waterfall was probably the highlight, but the stairs leading to it were terrible and not manageable for small children or older people. The museum was incredibly interesting and dramatic, but it portrayed the colonial era in a very positive light without questioning it or presenting the Māori perspective. It also describes a multitude of personal experiences in great detail... from tourists and white people. You hear very, very little about the Māori stories. It’s a real shame and, in a way, actually not okay.
From The Buried Village - Archaeological Site and Museum Admission
Thanks for taking the time to write this review We consider the outdoor site to be more than a meadow with some stories in it. There are many points of interest, including a rare pātaka - Māori food storage, baker's oven, whare (Māori houses) that have been excavated to the original floor level, parts of the old mill, hotel cellar as well as many other objects uncovered after the eruption. As a family we have spent decades uncovering the history of the village of Te Wairoa that was definitely buried by the eruption of Mount Tarawera. The museum tells European and Māori stories`, as this village unlike many others was European and Māori from the start, and was a great example of two cultures working together. Our VR exhibit and new outdoor signage also have many Māori ideas and perspectives. The tourists who came here were also European / Foreign generally speaking, and their accounts do provide important and interesting perspective about 1800's Te Wairoa. If you'd like to provide some specific ideas of where you feel Māori perspective could be added or enhanced, I'd be happy for you to email us [email protected]
Stephanie Schwer from New Zealand wrote on 20 May 2026
Interesting history but disapointing overall
I found the Buried Village a bit disappointing overall, as it wasn’t quite as engaging as I expected. However, I did really enjoy learning about the history behind the site and the story of the Tarawera eruption—it was interesting and informative. Worth visiting if you’re into history, but I wouldn’t go in with high expectations.
From The Buried Village - Archaeological Site and Museum Admission
Glad you enjoyed learning about the history of Te Wairoa and Tarawera
Copyright ©2026 Bookme Limited.
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Kadisha from New Zealand wrote on 15 May 2026
A must do!!
I’ve been to Rotorua so many times but this was the first time we went here. It was amazing!!!! Very affordable, the most lovely staff & the coolest treasure hunt for our kids!! The drive to this place was stunning!! All in all an amazing experience. Well worth doing with your family