-
travel_explore
Rotorua 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
- Adult$25.00
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$25.00
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$25.00
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$25.00
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$25.00
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$25.00
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$25.00
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$25.00
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$12.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$12.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$12.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$12.50 Less than 6 at this price!
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$12.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$12.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$12.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$12.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$12.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$17.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$17.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$17.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$17.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$17.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$17.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$17.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$17.50
- Teen$10.00
- Adult$17.50
- Teen$10.00
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 403 authenticated Bookme reviews
Reeah Bobeeyah from United States wrote on 02 March 2026
Really interesting
Fascinating place. Unlike say Pompeii, the history of the village, part Maori, part European, is documented with photographs. The information on the healing plants along the path adds a lot of interest.
Louise Alderson from United Kingdom wrote on 28 February 2026
Interesting stop
We arrived mid afternoon and explored the museum which tells the events of the night when the volcanos erupted. It brings it alive by certain people who lived their and their actions. By following a trail you go outside and see the effects. Hidden gem is the walk down to the waterfall. Steep steps but definitely worth the effort. Tea room and shop was closed when we got back sadly. Large car park. Great stop. Recommended.
vie2026 from New Zealand wrote on 25 February 2026
What an awesome experience
We took the 3D expérience with the general admission. The person that lead the experience made it so special and personal it was great! He even gave us a mini speech in the museum and that for me came and got to my heart then the tour of the place was really worthwhile and we don’t have a lot of real history places but this one is a place all Nz should see at least once in there life and it was an highlight of our overseas visitors .
Steph McGhie from New Zealand wrote on 23 February 2026
Incredibly interesting historical site
Just a short drive from central Rotorua. I did not realise this site was even here, lots of information and history about the area. And the waterfall is magical.
Copyright ©2026 Bookme Limited.
When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.
Qualmark Gold
This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.
Qualmark Silver
This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.
Qualmark Bronze
The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.
Continue with Facebook
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