Experience New Zealand's most visited archaeological site, and hear stories of the 1886 Mt. Tarawera eruption. This guided tour features a range of historical exhibits nestled in the scenic New Zealand landscape. Visitors can take peaceful walking trails and discover the life stories of the inhabitants whose fates were intertwined with the volcanic eruption. Discover the legacy of the Pink and White Terraces, which were once considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Posted By : Discover04788592149
Went and explored this wonderful experience on my own, and it was filled with history and local knowledge. Take your time, read all the plaques of information, and definitely head to the waterfall!
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Posted On : 2023-12-30 15:36:22 
Posted By : Paula_S
Met school children that were wonderful. Front desk lady explained the village perfectly. Grounds were amazing.
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Posted On : 2023-11-29 22:41:35 
Posted By : 37dayled
Average tourist attraction especially for the few charged. Staff very friendly. Beautiful gardens , gorgeous waterfall
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Posted On : 2023-11-23 22:37:00
Posted By : clementined646
Great visit at the Buried Village, full of history and very interesting explaination. And there is a gorgeous shop at the end. Thank you for the experience, we loved it !!!
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Posted On : 2023-11-19 22:24:09
Posted By : PhoebeH_12
The village was an unexpected excellent find. It was well laid out, and fascinating for history fans. Much work had been put into telling the story which was perfectly brought to life. The grounds and walk were beautiful... we only wish we had had enough time to get to the waterfall. We read everything and it did take longer than the recommend time. Nice place for a picnic afterwards!
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Posted On : 2023-11-07 12:49:24
Posted By : N4630MLgm
I imagine the excavations were at their peak some time ago, and I think 'The submerged village of Te Wairoa' would be a more fitting name. The eruption event is interesting but the weathered excavations seem to lack something to spark further interest. The waterfalls, museum and superb cafe make up for the international entrance fee. A little rejuvenation wouldn't go amiss.
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Posted On : 2023-10-08 00:16:59
Posted By : Stopticklingmeplease
Came here with two friends to have a look around the buried village and have a scone and drink. We haven’t been out here since we were kids so it was rather nice to have a look at the museum and a walk around.
It is a little pricey but I think for something that is so unusual it’s worth it.
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Posted On : 2023-07-03 01:12:13
Posted By : Kylie_G
Learning the history of the buried village and of some of the people who lived there. The walk to the waterfall was beautiful.
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Posted On : 2023-06-26 19:04:33
Posted By : TraceyC62
The museum and outdoor display gives a good idea of life before the eruption and then the devastation. The walk to the falls does have steps, but if you are reasonably fit and take your time, it's worth the effort, especially if they've had rain.
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Posted On : 2023-05-13 01:19:46
Posted By : JElliot32
A visit to the Buried Village is in three parts: the museum; the excavated village site, and (for something completely different!) the waterfall. You start at the museum, which I can only describe as brilliant. Worth 5 stars in its own right. The story of the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886 and the destruction of the world-famous Pink and White Terraces ('the Eighth Wonder of the World') as well as the annihilation of Te Wairoa and several other villages is told here with great skill and imagination, using an array of resources like wonderful, evocative old photos, household items retrieved from the archeological dig, excerpts from contemporaneous letters and diaries, etc. It is completely compelling.
Next section is a meander through the site of the excavated village, which is well sign-posted but far less compelling than the museum. It didn't look like any serious archeological digging had been done for years - and yet there were important sites mentioned in the museum that are not accounted for in the walk. One is the whare of the Maori Guide Sophia, where she sheltered 60 people on the night of the eruption. Guide Sophia was one of the true heroes of the disaster and it would have been good to see where her house had stood (assuming it is known).
The third part of the site is the Wairere Falls, also excellent though probably not recommended if you have mobility issues. The path down to the falls (especially the base) is steep and can be slippery. Not a big waterfall though the drop is an impressive 30 metres.
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Posted On : 2023-04-19 08:38:32
