Top Experiences in Buried Village of Te Wairoa

Experience an authentic cultural encounter that is rich in history and traditions passed on from generation to generation during this full-day private tour to Rotorua from Auckland, set in a landscape where your senses will come alive. Immerse yourself in our unique Māori culture in the Whakarewarewa village on a guided tour through our real Living Māori Village including a Hangi Pie Meal. Set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity, to violent and unexpected volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886 was New Zealand's greatest natural disasters. The Buried Village of Te Wairoa is one of New Zealand’s most visited archaeological sites where the stories of Mt. Tarawera volcanic eruption come to life and share the tales of the 8th Wonder of the World, the Pink and White Terraces.

Voted our most popular Tour - This tour is perfect for people wanting a full day sightseeing this diverse area including Mt Maunganui and Rotorua with a focus on the geothermal area of Whakarewarewa, "The living Maori Village." Enjoy a 40 minute concert emphasizing the deep and colourful Maori culture  with song dance and stories.

On the way to Rotorua, marvel at beautiful beaches and multimillion dollar homes, before a 45 minute drive from the coast slowly ascending up the central plateau, through Kiwifruit plantations (we plan to stop so you can see these vines full of fruit but not ripe yet) and typical NZ pastoral farmland to our furthest inland destination, Rotorua. Take in the most popular sites of interest - Blue & Green lakes, view Mt Tarawera (erupted 1886) across the most gorgeous lake, walk through NZ native bush full of ferns and tall podocarps like an 1800's pioneer or Maori warrior. visit the mud pools of Kuirau Park, take a peek at the geysers (incl. famous Pohutu)
 

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.

Experience the magic of great value Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and the geothermal oasis of Rotorua in a exclusive luxury private tour from Auckland. Walk into the real-world landscape on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and listen to the haunting echoes of the past at the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, one of the most visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mt. Tarawera volcanic eruption come to life and telling tales of the 8th Wonder of the World, the Pink and White Terraces including a café style lunch along the way.

The Tarawera and Lakes Tour is the best way to appreciate the scenery of the Rotorua lakes district and learn more about the history of the land, the people, and the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera. This unique 120 minute fully guided adventure takes place on land and water on-board in a genuine WWII Amphibious Duck. Visit 4 of Rotorua's stunning lakes and travel on 3 with the highlight being the stunning Lake Tarawera at the base of the mighty Mt Tarawera. Comfortable seating for all and great for families, couples and single travelers wanting to learn about our rich history and view natural landscapes. We pride ourselves on having tour guides that are highly knowledgeable and engaging. Our tours are done in a small group environment.