[lettie]

About 15k from Rotorua is the village of Te Wairoa, let me set the scene. In the 19th century, this was a village that housed many visitors. People came from all over the world to view the famous pink and white terraces. The pink and white terraces were a natural phenomenon made of silica deposits, they were often depicted as the 8th wonder of the world. On 10th June 1886, Mount Tarawera (previously thought to be extinct), erupted with such ferocity that it left a 6km long 250m deep crater in the top of the mountain. Lake Rotomahana, beneath the mountain exploded with a noise heard as far away as Auckland and Christchurch (Auckland is 3 hours drive away). Rescuers arrived from Rotorua the day after finding scenes of total devastation. 3 villages, Te Wairoa, Moura and Te Ariki were buried under 20ft of mud and volcanic debris. The eruption killed 153 people, and completely obliterated the pink and white terraces. In 1936 excavations began and the village of Te Wairoa can now be seen again. There is a small visitor centre and museum which tells the story of the terraces and the eruption. This place is well worth a visit. The Maori guide will also seranade you on his guitar while you look round the gift shop. He had a lovely voice and did a fabulous acoustic version of Pokarekare ana. It was the best version of this song I've heard (and you cannot have a day in NZ without hearing this song, it's everywhere) Here are some pics of excavated Te Wairoa featuring the storehouse, barmans house, flourmill, blacksmiths, Maori whare (house) and the lovely scenery and waterfall in the area.