Mt Tarawera is the sacred mountain of the local Maori Tribe Ngati Rangitihi. As the highest mountain in their tribal area, it plays an important role in Maori culture. During the 1800s, the world famous pink and white terraces were regarded as the eighth wonder of the world and became New Zealand's first tourist attraction.
At approximately 1.00am on 10 June 1886, people at Te Wairoa were woken by earthquakes and continuous rumblings. The eruption lasted over five hours. Mt Tarawera's eruption destroyed the terraces, devastated the surrounding landscape and villages and resulted in a loss of over 150 lives.
Volcanic Air Safaris have a number of scenic flight tours that allow you to view this magnificent natural attraction of Mount Tarawera from above.
Click here to view Tour 3A - Mt Tarawera / Waimangu - Floatplane
Click here to view Tour 3B - Mt Tarawera / Hells Gate Landing and Guided Tour - Helicopter