The devastating eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 was undoubtedly New Zealand’s most significant natural event changing forever; Rotorua’s history, landscape and people.

“The Rotorua Trilogy” package combines three iconic cultural and natural heritage attractions, Rotorua Museum, Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Whakarewarewa, The Living Thermal Village. Individually, each attraction is distinctive, yet collectively they bring to life a timeless and powerful story.

As a result of the eruption, and as a way to entice visitors back, the New Zealand’s Governments first investment in the tourism industry was The Bath House, which now houses Rotorua Museum. Originally the Bath House was built for spa and medical treatments, and quickly became known as the “Great South Seas Spa”. Today, this most photographed building captures the essence of Rotorua’s fascinating history through innovative displays, beautiful taonga (treasures) and interactive cinema experiences.

From a landscape point of view, the Mount Tarawera eruption totally destroyed the Rotomahana area, but also created seven new craters to the south of Rotomahana which became known as Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Over the 30 years following the eruption, hot springs formed within the craters and forest and bird life returned to the area. Today, Waimangu is the newest geothermal ecosystem in the world and is a place of outstanding natural beauty…unspoilt and protected by law.

With over 150 people killed, the Mount Tarawera eruption completely altered what was a sumptuous lifestyle and thriving community for Tuhourangi (the local Maori tribe that lived nearby). The land was uninhabitable and those that survived eventually relocated to Whakarewarewa, where they rebuilt their lives and independence. Today, you can meet the descendants of the survivors and experience New Zealand’s only living, Maori and geothermal village, tribally owned and managed.

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