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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
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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 371 authenticated Bookme reviews
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.
brenda porter from New Zealand wrote on 26 February 2025
Interesting and informative
Excellent in all respects. Well worth a visit. Extremely interesting and very well laid out with good map guidance. Allow a couple of hours.
Helen Urich from Australia wrote on 21 February 2025
Interesting
Certainly worth visiting.
Simona from Czech Republic wrote on 17 February 2025
5 stars
Very nice and interesting museum, a lot of information. Also very beautiful nature and waterfall.
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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 :)