1180 Tarawera Road, Lake Tarawera, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
Tourism is not new here. The Pink and White Terraces were one of the wonders of 19th Century New Zealand. They were destroyed when Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886. The village of Te Wairoa, buried with the Terraces in the eruption, was unearthed in 1931. Site excavations and Museum displays reveal the volcanic devastation. Entrance Fee. Guided tours by Tuhourangi, descendants of the original guides to the Pink & White Terraces are available at no extra cost at certain times - grab one if you can.
Learn more about the legendary Guide Sophia, and the strength of her whare (house) which saved many of the residents of Te Wairoa both Maori and Pakeha during the eruption. One paheka man who did not survive was Edwin Bainbridge, who was in the Rotomahana hotel when it collapsed. The Rotomahana meeting house, Whare Hinemihi, also stood up to the eruption and saved lives. It resides on the grounds of Clandon Park estate in the United Kingdom.
MOUNT TARAWERA VOLCANIC GUIDED HIKE EXPERIENCE
Image Credit: Ruins of Mr Hazard’s house, Wairoa, 1886, Tarawera, by Charles Spencer. Te Papa
Nearby this Place
Featured Nearby
Featured Nearby