Buried Village

23/09/2026

Our phone system is having technical difficulties
If you are trying to get through its likely you won't be able to
Please email [email protected] and one of us will get right back to you

28/08/2026

We are very excited to be hosting this special book launch event for Sarah Ell - Writer on behalf of Bateman Books alongside McLeods Booksellers on the 18th September. RSVP details below

21/08/2026

Looking forward to seeing the Lost Wonder at the premiere in Rotorua tomorrow night. A documentary by .nz

THE LOST WONDER

Before they vanished, the Pink and White Terraces were celebrated as the Eighth Wonder of the World, attracting visitors from across the globe and laying the foundations of New Zealand's tourism industry. Their destruction during the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera marked one of the country's greatest natural disaster.

The Lost Wonder explores the history and legacy of this tragedy through the voices of those deeply connected to it by lineage, heritage, profession, or a lifelong commitment to preserving its story.

More than a search for a lost natural wonder, The Lost Wonder is a story of resilience, remembrance, and the importance of preserving the histories that continue to shape Aotearoa.

17/07/2026

Thank you for visiting us

08/07/2026

09/06/2026

On 10 June 1886, the eruption of Mount Tarawera transformed the landscape of the Tarawera region and changed many lives forever.

Today, 140 years later, we remember those who lost their lives, acknowledge the communities impacted by the disaster, and honour the stories of resilience that have endured through generations.

The legacy of Tarawera remains woven into the whenua, the people, and the unique history of this place.

26/05/2026

Before the eruption, the area around Mount Tarawera was home to thriving Māori and European communities and one of Aotearoa’s most famous visitor experiences, the Pink and White Terraces.

Then, in 1886, Tarawera erupted. Villages including Te Wairoa were buried, landscapes were transformed and lives were changed forever. Survivors were supported by neighbouring Te Arawa iwi, where whakapapa and manaakitanga helped people rebuild after immense loss.

More than 140 years later, the story of Tarawera is still held in this whenua, in the geothermal landscapes that emerged and in the resilience of the people connected to this place.

A powerful way to understand this history is to visit the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, where you can walk through the excavated village and experience a virtual retelling of the night Tarawera erupted.

10/04/2026

SUNDAY 12th Closure - All day

Due to the weather forecast and warnings associated with the cyclone Vaianu we will be closed on Sunday 12th April. We will remain open tomorrow (sat 11th)
The safety of our staff and customers is our first priority.
We appreciate your understanding

Stay Safe everyone.

12/02/2026

Countdown to Tarawera Ultra-Trail By UTMB
We are looking forward to welcoming 500 amazing miler runners through the Buried Village Aid station tomorrow morning.
For all our other manuwhiri (visitors) the road between the Blue Lake and us will be closed from 9.45am until 11am. Please plan your visit around this closure