The Pink and White Terraces were once dubbed the eighth natural wonder of the world attracting well to do tourists from across the world to visit and admire them. Watch my video below to learn more about these natural phenomena and their disappearance in the 19th century:
Te Otukapuarangi (the pink terrace) and te Tarata (the white terrace) were once located on the shored of Lake Rotomahana, New Zealand. They were formed by upwelling thermal springs containing near neutral silica saturated chloride making them perfect for bathing. The terraces ranged in depth, warmth, and clarity however the pink terrace was preferred. Water cascaded down the sides feeding into Lake Rotomahana creating a spectacle to behold.
Eleven days before the eruption of Mt Tarawera a number of locals and visitors reported sighting a ghostly, fully laden waka (war canoe) paddling across Lake Tarawera. The sightings of occupants on the ghost ship were seen bound in flax mats with huia or heron feathers in their hair, as if they were prepared in a customary Maori way for death,
This appearance coincided with the surging lake levels and white steam clouds appearing from over the ridgeline of Mount Tarawera, maybe as a bad omen of the deaths that were about to follow?!
These paintings done by Charles Blomfield (1848-1926) who visited the terraces on a few occasions have become our main record of their appearance before their loss in the eruption.
By Charles Blomfield - Scanned by Szilas from the book The Heritage Collection, Rotorua Museum, New Zealand, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68346851
By Charles Blomfield - Scanned by Szilas from the book The Heritage Collection, Rotorua Museum, New Zealand, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68346851
The aftermath of the eruption of Mt Tarawera, June 10, 1886 can be experienced at Te Wairoa, now known as the Buried Village.
Excavations were carried out on the site from 1931-1986 revealing the original ground level of the village of Te Wairoa. In some places this was 20 metres below today's level. Evidence of the once bustling village can be seen, with exposed walls, hearths and cellars on outdoor open display. To give feel of how Te Wairoa once looked replica whare (houses) have been placed around the ruin site, and function as additional exhibition space.
Unearthed artefacts are in their own purpose built museum telling the stories of Te Wairoa's settlement, occupation by Māori and paheka, and its eventual abandonment post eruption.
Personal affects can be seen, including shoes, hats, crockery and food that have been preserved by the debris. Most disturbingly is the clock showing the exact time that the Haszard household must have crumbled under the deluge killing all family members as they hid for safety in their home.
Objects unearthed from Te Wairoa now on display at the Buried Village, Rotorua
Items excavated from the Hazsard household at Te Wairoa. The clock still bears a mark of the last time it struck.
Shoes covered in mud on display at the Buried Village, Rotorua,
I failed to mention the waterfall at the Buried Village - Wairere Falls. The falls cascade 30 metres down the Waitoharuru cliffs connecting to Lake Tarawera. Well worth the hike at the end.
Research and photographs by me, unless stated otherwise.
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