The Buried Village
- Phone:
- +64 (7) 362 8287
- Fax:
- +64 (7) 362 8287
- Address:
- Tarawera Rd
RD 5, ROTORUA
- Email:
- info@buriedvillage.co.nz
- Web:
- www.buriedvillage.co.nz
Walk through and experience the Buried village of Te Wairoa, New Zealands orginal tourism destination, destroyed by the very volcanic activity which made it famous, and later would make it infamous within the history of New Zealand.
Nobody would have believed in June 10 1886, that the serenity enjoyed by the inhabitants of Te Wairoa would be shattered by an outpouring of the Earth's fury. Few would have dreamed as the eighth wonder of the world - the fantastic Pink and White Terraces - sparkled in the moonlight, events deep in the ground were menacingly unfolding.
Violent and unexpected, the eruption was New Zealand's greatest natural disaster. For more than four terrifying hours, rocks, ash and boiling hot mud bombarded the peaceful village. The fiery glow in the night sky and the thunderous roar of the explosions were seen and heard as far away as Auckland.
In the gloom of the day, the wreckage of the hotels and houses, and the burial of 5000 square miles of scenic countryside brought awe and dismay to rescuers.
The eruption destroyed the Terraces and buried Te Wairoa and two smaller villages under hot heavy ash and mud.
More than 150 lives were lost.
Hours of Operation
Summer November – March 9.00am – last entry 5.00pm
Winter April – October 9.00am – last entry 4.30pm
Visitors, who have paid their entry fee, are welcome to continue their visit after the main complex
