Buried Village

Buried Village Experience New Zealand's most visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Erup
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Violent and unexpected, the volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera in June 10 1886 was one of New Zealand's greatest natural disasters. For more than four terrifying hours rocks, ash, and mud bombarded the peaceful village of Te Wairoa ending more than 150 lives and destroying the eight wonder of the world the Pink and White terraces BUT it doesn't end there...
Thanks to the sensitive redevelopment by t

hree generations of the Smith family; you can see what life was like at the village before, during, and after the eruption. ENCOUNTER Te Wairoa Museum and be enriched in the collection of over 100 excavated objects, the fusions of cultures and tourism, and several exhibits. EXPLORE the archaeological site which reveals the devastation of the eruption. Walk amongst and enter the very sites that once housed the people of Te Wairoa. EXPERIENCE the unique insights of the stories of Te Wairoa

ADVENTURE- Take the stunning nature trail along the crystal clear waters of Te Wairoa stream and be thrilled as you stand under the spray of the Wairere Falls as it plunges 30 metres to the valley below. CHILDREN can enjoy Smithy's Guide Map searching through the excavated sites for clues

REFRESH at Smith and Co Cafe offering delicious home baking, Devonshire Tea, and excellent coffee OR browse the range of gifts in our gift store.

SUNDAY 12th Closure - All dayDue to the weather forecast and warnings associated with the cyclone Vaianu we will be clos...
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.

Countdown to Tarawera Ultra-Trail By UTMB We are looking forward to welcoming 500 amazing miler runners through the Buri...
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

04/02/2026
Merry Christmas Everyone, Enjoy your day however you choose to celebrateWe are Closed Christmas Day - Open again on Boxi...
24/12/2025

Merry Christmas Everyone, Enjoy your day however you choose to celebrate
We are Closed Christmas Day - Open again on Boxing Day at 10am

Throwback to 1885…Imagine travelling by horse and cart, walking for a few kilometres and then being paddled across Lake ...
14/10/2025

Throwback to 1885…
Imagine travelling by horse and cart, walking for a few kilometres and then being paddled across Lake Tarawera by canoe to reach the beautiful Pink and White Terraces. Adventure tourism, 19th-century style.

Looking for an adventure the whole whānau will love?At the Buried Village you can:* Hear incredible stories of the erupt...
26/08/2025

Looking for an adventure the whole whānau will love?
At the Buried Village you can:
* Hear incredible stories of the eruption
* Have a go at our new Virtual reality experience
* Explore bush walks & bridges
* Visit a hidden waterfall
* Hunt for clues with kids’ discovery trails

All just 15 minutes from Rotorua.

06/08/2025

Since May we've collaborated with Predator Free Rotorua to encourage staff at Rotorua Sustainable Charter members to sign up for a free backyard trap as part of Predator Free BOP's campaign to reduce pest numbers and support our native birds 👏🦉 Here are the members who took part in May, along with staff from Rotorua Trust 💚 The project is on-going and we're over 150 traps now - we'll post another compilation photo soon 📷 Shoutout also to our members Red Stag Timber who donated the timber for 1500 trap tunnels 🌟

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Loving these frosty mornings that make for stunning blue sky days
23/07/2025

Loving these frosty mornings that make for stunning blue sky days

15/07/2025

CLOSED
So unfortunately looks like the power won't be on for the rest of the day
If you have a booking please email [email protected]
Sorry for any inconvenience

15/07/2025

Just to let everyone know we are currently without power which means we can't open
Will update when it's back on

The Phantom Rātā at Makatiti dome is one of the NZ tree of the year finalists. A Tarawera eruption survivor. You can vot...
15/06/2025

The Phantom Rātā at Makatiti dome is one of the NZ tree of the year finalists. A Tarawera eruption survivor. You can vote via the link

Address

1180 Tarawera Road
Rotorua
3076

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+64 7 362 8287

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