The scenic waterfall trail at the Buried Village allows you to be immersed in the natural beauty of the area. The pristine water of the Te Wairoa stream offers a looking glass into the lives of the local rainbow trout and the surrounding native bush is diverse and beautiful.
Stroll past several historical sites before descending to the most breathtaking attraction of all; a 30 metre waterfall plunging over the Waitoharuru cliffs.
Magnificent in its structure, the waterfall looks like a satin horse tail and there is nothing quite like standing at the base and feeling the soft spray of fresh water on your face.
The scenic waterfall trail is a peaceful 20-minute stroll. Although the steps to the base of the waterfall can be challenging, our visitors love to see the waterfall from this vantage point. However, if you feel like taking it easy, view the peaceful and green valley from the Waitoharuru Valley lookout. From here you can listen to the water gushing from the waterfall and see the stunning Lake Tarawera.
The emerald-green Lake Rotokakahi flows to Lake Tarawera via the Wairere Falls. Named by the Maori for its abundance of Kakahi shellfish, Lake Rotokakahi, or Green Lake, is one of three lakes that surround the Buried Village. The others are Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and, of course, Lake Tarawera.
From above, Lake Rotokakahi has a distinct green colour due to its shallow water and sandy lake bed. It is privately owned by Tuhorangi descendants and they are the only people permitted to use it.
It’s difficult to imagine the severity of the Mt Tarawera eruption when looking through the crisp water of the Te Wairoa stream.
Still and calm, the stream brings peace to the area. The short stretch of water attracts hundreds of spectacular Rainbow Trout. The fish consider the water to be ideal spawning conditions and provides them with a sanctuary because the stream is closed to fishing.
However, there is something about the waterfall that connects Mt Tarawera’s force with the abundance of life that has filled the area post-eruption.
As the water plummets to a depth of 30 metres, the roaring water represents the power of the eruption that the area is so well-known for.
