At 1.30am on the morning of 10 June 1886 the tremendous eruption of Mount Tarawera devastated the surrounding area, killing 120 people, totally destroying the famed Pink and White Terraces and burying the thriving village of Te Wairoa.

Today you can explore the story of this eruption with a guided walk amidst the spectacular volcanic landscape of Waimangu and a lake cruise the takes you close to steaming cliffs, gushing hot springs and the site of the destroyed pink and White Terraces.

Walk across Te Ariki Ithmus, a sacred place where many perished during the 1886 eruption to beautiful Lake Tarawera where your skipper will tell you the legends surrounding the eruption.

At Te Wairoa, the Buried Village you can stroll through the excavated site and see early colonial life frozen in time on 10 June 1886. The Museum of Te Wairoa will provide you with an insight into the most significant event in the history of Rotorua.

On the return journey back to Rotorua enjoy views of the Blue and Green Lakes. Before returning to your accommodation, enjoy a soak at the Polynesian Spa.