Shortly before midnight on 10th of June 1886, a number of increasingly stronger earthquakes occurred and some strange lightning displays were seen. Two and a half hours later Mt Tarawera, in the North's Island's central plateau, erupted blasting ash and smoke thousands of metres into the air. It is said that the eruption could be heard in the South Island. Te Wairoa, a local village was totally destroyed in the volcanic eruption. Being buried under hot heavy ash and volcanic mud.
Today, it stands as New Zealand’s version of 'Pompeii'. Having been 're-discovered' in the early 1930's and excavated ever since, the village stands as a living testament to the way of life of the early settlers and the Maori that lived around them. The museum provides an award winning look at the people and the faces of the village giving the disaster a human touch. The audio visual presentation puts the eruption in a historical context and includes footage of the world famous natural attraction, the Pink and White Terraces, that were destroyed in the eruption. Hundred of images and displays help fill in what happened on that auspicious day. Usually mundane objects are looked upon with renewed interest as a key to how people lived and coped in this era.
Numerous whare (houses) have been meticulously dug out and preserved. Highlights include a blacksmiths store, a barracks and a couple of warehouses and a flour mill. Even the hotel where people stayed has been dug up.
Tour guides get into the mood by dressing up in period costume and dispensing information . It takes about one and half hours to view the museum and wonder around the site.
Tarawera Road, RD 5, Rotorua.
07 362 8287.
