Wildlife & Culture Tour at Buried Village in New Zealand
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors; moderate walking involved
Overview
Discover the fascinating history and natural beauty of New Zealand's Buried Village. Walk through ancient Maori sites, learn local legends, and enjoy scenic volcanic landscapes all in one immersive outdoor experience.
Buried Village Admission
All Ages • One of New Zealand’s most visited historic sites • Great for all ages! •
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About This Adventure
The Buried Village is New Zealand's most visited Archaeological Site, where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption come to life.
Duration
1-2 hours
Bookings are valid for the entire day. We open at 10am and you are welcome to arrive any time during the day. To make the most of your visit the latest time you should aim to arrive is 3.15pm
About
ENCOUNTER the award winning Museum of Te Wairoa exhibition and be enriched in the collection of excavated objects (Taonga) over 130 years old.
EXPLORE the archaeological sites which reveal the devastation of the eruption to this once bustling European and Maori village settlement. Walk among and enter the very sites that once housed the people of Te Wairoa.
EXPERIENCE the unique insights and storytelling from our tour guides or use an electronic tour app.
TAKE the beautiful waterfall trail which showcases the stunning Te Wairoa Falls. Be thrilled as you stand in the spray of the waterfall as it plunges 30 meters to the valley below.
CHILDREN can enjoy Smithy's Treasure Hunt searching through the excavated sites for clues to find treasure at the end of the visit.
REFRESH at Smith & Co offering delicious scones (with whipped cream and jam), a great Cabinet selection, Devonshire Tea, and excellent fresh-ground coffee or browse the range of gifts in our gift store
More info
A visit to the Buried Village encompasses Rotorua's most scenic drive and starting with the Redwood Forest walking and bike trails (5 minutes from city), Redwood Treewalk (voted NZ's #1 tree-top bridge walk by Tourism NZ), Blue and Green Lakes freedom walk (10 minutes from city), Start of the Tarawera Trail (a 14 km freedom tramp to Hot water Beach) just 15 minutes from city, Buried Village and Te Wairoa Waterfall (just 20 minutes from city) and then to the Lake Tarawera Landing (just 30 minutes from city) where you can catch a water-taxi for a lake cruise to either Hot-water beach or to the trail that leads to Tarawera Falls (voted NZ's #1 waterfall by Department of Conservation). The Tarawera Waterfall trail is a comfortable 90 minute trek from the shores of Lake Tarawera into the Tarawera native bush area.
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy shoes
Bring comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
Bring water and sun protection
Stay hydrated and shielded from the sun during your outdoor exploration.
Respect cultural sites
Follow guidelines to preserve the integrity of Maori artifacts and structures.
Check tour times ahead
Pre-book guided tours to enhance the learning experience and avoid disappointment.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Kea parrots
- Fantails
History
The eruption in 1886 buried the village under ash, but it was later excavated and preserved, providing a rare glimpse into Maori life before and after the eruption.
Conservation
The site promotes sustainable tourism by minimizing its ecological footprint through guided tours, waste reduction, and educational programs focused on preserving local heritage and environment.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rotorua
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for exploring uneven outdoor terrain comfortably.
Hat and sunscreen
Protection from the sun during outdoor walking.
summer specific
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while walking through the site.
Light backpack
Carry essentials like water, snacks, and personal items.