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The Buried Village - Archaeological Site and Museum Admission

4.7
309
Deals from $12.50 Save $12.50 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
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.

Electronic Tour Devices - If you like to take things at your own pace - free electronic devices provide a video tour of the archaeological site.

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!


Adult $25.00 (Aged 18+)
Teen $10.00 (Aged 13-17 years)

What's included

  • Entry to the Buried Village
  • Smithy's Treasure Hunt for children

Location

  • 1180 Tarawera Road
  • Lake Tarawera - a stunning 15-minute scenic drive from Rotorua.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Open hours: Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm.

    Conditions: Discount tickets are time-specific. Buried Village allows a 30 minute grace period only either side of a discount booking time. Outside of this grace period, you will have to pay the difference in rate to enter. Cancellations within 24 hours non-refundable.

    Disabled Access: Wheelchair access is provided with sealed paths and ramps. There are no steep or challenging parts within the normal walking tracks of the Buried Village. The only part of the village that unfortunately is not accessible for wheelchairs due to the nature of the terrain is the walk to the waterfall. We have a wheelchair available for public use - please enquire at reception.

  • Children aged 0 - 12 years old go FREE.

Available Bookings from 29 Mar to 11 Apr 2024

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Fri 29 Mar
Sat 30 Mar
Sun 31 Mar
Mon 1 Apr
Tue 2 Apr
Wed 3 Apr
Thu 4 Apr
Fri 5 Apr
Sat 6 Apr
Sun 7 Apr
Mon 8 Apr
Tue 9 Apr
Wed 10 Apr
Thu 11 Apr

Bookings close in 9 hours...

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Bookings close in 10 hours...

  • Adult$12.50 Less than 6 at this price!
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  • Adult$12.50 Less than 6 at this price!
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  • Adult$17.50 Less than 6 at this price!
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  • Adult$17.50
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  • Adult$17.50
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Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.7

309 reviews

Showing all 309 authenticated Bookme reviews

Clive Pahl from New Zealand wrote on 26 October 2023

Very good

Very beautiful and we really enjoyed it

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shaunl1 from New Zealand wrote on 21 July 2021

A must do

An awesome experience and the tour guide was well informed and funny. The water falls are amazing 🤩

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Alana from New Zealand wrote on 12 July 2021

buried treasure

great experience, kids loved the treasure hunt! the waterfall walk is lovely & challenging. we learnt alot being immersed in history and reading the different stories of people who lived through the eruption.

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mariem16 from New Zealand wrote on 23 March 2024

Wonderful!

Very welcoming upon our arrival and was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Heartwarming and Heartbreaking.

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padventure from Canada wrote on 23 March 2024

Buried Village

We really enjoyed our visit, found the museum very interesting and helpful in understanding the devastation this village and its people endured. We were warmly greeted and given a map and guidance on where to go. The waterfalls were breathtaking and well worth the steep stairwell to view them but it was well marked to forewarn you of the level of difficulty if you had any physical ailments that would prevent you from visiting. We truly appreciated the Maori content and learning how they were so instrumental in saving people’s lives and launching such a well planned rescue in such dire circumstances. Truly outstanding. Would highly recommend this self guided tour to all.

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