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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!
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 in NZD ($)
- 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 & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 374 authenticated Bookme reviews
brookep1 from New Zealand wrote on 31 March 2025
Kids loved it!
Mr 2 and Miss 7 loved their adventure and the hunt for clues kept them going. Worth a trip worth the kids :)
aaron mcgregor-bates from New Zealand wrote on 09 March 2025
Historical Educational
Educational, good to know the background of the area. Staff were informative and nice, and we got the treasure at the end ! If you can find the secret clue, good footwear recommend if you are going to the waterfall.
Fe from New Zealand wrote on 26 April 2025
Te Wairoa Waterfalls the best feature
The entrance through the museum that tells the story of the volcanic eruption in 1886 is cool, but if you can’t read English and you’re visiting from another country, probably won’t get much out of it. The track is tired and run down, each site of interest badly in need of a spruce up and upgrade because most sites are dilapidated, the description signs faded. I heard that there will be an upgrade over five years. Absolute must see though is the beautiful waterfalls, clear stream where you will see trout.
Nicola Signal from New Zealand wrote on 20 April 2025
Good walk
Although a lot of work has gone into The Buried Village, we found it a bit underwhelming. The track to and from the waterfall could do with some maintainence.
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ladetteb from New Zealand wrote on 25 April 2025
Great adventure for the whole family
We had a great day. A group of 3 adults and 8 children. 3 to 12. Children loved the treasure hunt. The beautiful area the perfect place to learn and play. To finish off with the beautiful trail down to the waterfalls. We had a great afternoon.