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Buried Village of Te Wairoa

126 Reviews 4.52 out of 5 stars Based on 126 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 90% of reviewers
90% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Rotorua, New Zealand
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from $15.34 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
45 to 120 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 5 more
French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Mandarin
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Food and drinks
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

1180 Tarawera Road
Lake Tarawera, Rotorua 3076, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Buried Village of Te Wairoa

The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, just a 15-minute drive from Rotorua city, offers a firsthand look at one of New Zealand’s greatest natural disasters. Learn about the devastating effects when Mt. Tarawera erupted in 1886, which buried Te Wairoa and ended more than 150 lives. Now, well over a century later, the excavated village provides a unique opportunity to see how the area's Maori inhabitants and early settlers lived.Guided group tours, audio/video tours, and talks, which are included with your admission ticket, are scheduled throughout the day. Learn about the geological and geothermal features of Lake Tarawera, Mt. Tarawera, and the surrounding lakes region. Find out what happened to the Pink and White Terraces, once a popular natural landmark. Discover how the village of Te Wairoa came to be, the role it played in developing the region, and how its legacy continues to influence New Zealand's tourism industry to this day.  Encounter the world-class Museum of Te Wairoa and its collection of excavated objects. Explore the archaeological site, which reveals the devastation of the eruption, and walk a paved path along the very sites that the people of Te Wairoa once called home. Take the Waterfall Trail to Wairere Falls, which plunges 98 feet (30 meters) to the valley below.Head to Vi's Teahouse for delicious scones, Devonshire tea, and excellent coffee, or browse the range of gifts in the gift store. Children can search through the excavated sites for clues, or go to the Adventure Playground.Allow 1–1.5 hours to experience the entire Buried Village.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Hat, sunscreen, umbrella or raincoat are recommended
  • Self-guided tour
  • You can arrive at any time throughout the day, and stay for as long you'd like

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Buried Village of Te Wairoa?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-14862P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.52
126 reviews

Average 4.52 out of 5 stars based on 126 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
84
4 stars
30
3 stars
8
2 stars
2
1 star
2
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Buried Village of Te Wairoa?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax).
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and drinks.
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase).
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Buried Village of Te Wairoa is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Buried Village of Te Wairoa will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Food and drinks
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Bring walking shoes and protection from adverse weather. The paths are flat and paved but the optional waterfall trail has several flights of stairs.
  • Hat, sunscreen, umbrella or raincoat are recommended
  • Self-guided tour
  • You can arrive at any time throughout the day, and stay for as long you'd like
  • Wheelchair available for public use - please inquire at reception
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name