Mt Tarawera
Listed under Challenging Treks in North Island, New Zealand.
Tarawera erupted without warning in 1886, destroying Maori villages, causing 150 deaths and devastating the surrounding region. One of the greatest wonders of the natural world, the fabulously beautiful Pink and White Terraces, vanished forever in the eruption.
A great fissure opened up from Tarawera's summit, spreading across Lake Rotomahana and through the hot spring vents that fed the fabled silica terraces. Today the lowermost part of the 17-km-long fissure is known as the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and contains small geysers and bubbling lakes, including the world's largest hot spring. On the far shore of adjacent Lake Tarawera is an interesting and beautifully situated site, the Buried Village (buried by fallout from the eruption), where excavations have revealed much about past Maori lifestyles as well as the late 19th century tourist trade.
Close by is the popular geothermal region of Rotorua, located inside an ancient caldera and featuring one of the world's most consistent geysers, Pohutu, which spouts 40-90 feet high.
Written by 
Mike Lyvers.
Other expert and press reviews
“Crater Walking on Mount Tarawera”
New Zealand is a very active volcanic zone, as evidenced by White Island – New Zealand’s most active volcano, just off the coast. But you don’t have to leave the mainland to feel the presence of volcanic activity, past and present. Roto… Read more...
Written by 
Nora Dunn.
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