Back in 1886, Mount Tarawera erupted violently causing New Zealand’s worst natural catastrophe in recorded history. Over one hundred people lost their lives and villages were buried by the spewing volcano.
One of the villages, Te Wairoa has been excavated and turned into a dark tourist site. The area is full of fascinating sites and artefacts, but it’s the buried village that draws the crowds.
The museum and waterfall trails are also worth a visit, you could easily spend a day at the site.
Te Wairoa is located in the centre of North Island, 210 km south east of Auckland.
