The buried village of Te Wairoa is a historic village located some fourteen kilometres outside of Rotorua, New Zealand. Originally a European settlement meant to be a model village, Te Wairoa received plenty of visitors as it was on the way to the Pink and White Terraces, tiny hills formed by the areas geothermal activity. The village and the two terraces were believed to be completely destroyed in 1886 when Mount Tarawera, a volcano, erupted. However, recent excavation work has not only revealed the preserved village, but also the terraces as well.
Te Wairoa is now a highly popular attraction, with many tourists from Rotorua stopping by for a visit. The village spans an area of around twelve acres and contains many well preserved buildings. The walk around measures approximately 1.5 kilometres and can take an hour or so. Guided tours are available at set times.
Tickets cost NZ$ 32 for adults and NZ$ 10 for children. Discounts are available for families and groups. Between October and April, the village opens at 9 am with visitors being able to enter until 5 pm. Between May and September, the last entry time is reduced by half an hour (4.30 pm) while the place continues to open at 9 am. Visitors are free to exit after closing time if they wish to do so. The buried village is open throughout the week and only closes on Christmas.
Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity and one can find plenty of geysers and hot springs in the area. It is one of the more popular destinations within New Zealand, and has highly developed infrastructure. Although the public transport system has its limitations and tourists may have to rely on taxis to get to certain areas, restaurants and lodgings are plentiful and good ones are easy to find.
Those searching for a good hotel in Rotorua will find few better than the Millennium Hotel Rotorua. The elegant Rotorua hotel is set by the gorgeous Rotorua Lake and offers a plethora of facilities that make it the ideal accommodation choice for both business and leisure travellers.
