Mount Tarawera
Mount Tarawera, situated within the Rotorua district, in
the North Island of New Zealand is a dorment volcano.
Mt Tarawera last erupted on 10th June 1886. It is recognised as the largest eruption in the history of New Zealand since European settlement. It has had significant impact on the history of the region, because it totally destroyed New Zealand's most famous visitor attractions - the Pink and White Terraces. These two silica formations were considered the eighth wonder of the world. Visitors from all over the world journeyed to Rotomahana to view these natural features and bathe in the warm mineral pools and springs.
Visitors to the Tarawera region can appreciate the majestic
presence of this sacred landmark from many vantage points
around Lake Tarawera. But a journey to the summit of the mountain
is valued as once in a lifetime experience. The remote and
sacred terrain provides a refreshing tranquility with majestic
views. The natural wilderness is veiled by a mystical presence
highlighted through the Maori stories associated with this
sleeping giant.
About the eruption.
Mt Tarawera stands 1110 m (3360 ft) above sea level, overlooking the lakes of the region. It last spoke, somewhat unexpectedly, 114 years ago, erupting in 1886. The eruption produced three domes seen as the skyline contour of the mountain, from Volcanic Lodge. The 10 June 1886 eruption started near the top of the mountain and then spread to the North and the South opening a 17km long fissure.
Lower down, Lakes Rotomahana and Rotomakariri, also erupted in gigantic explosions, and mud was thrown high into the sky, covering an area of 15,000 square km to a maximum depth of about 22m (75 ft). This layer of Rotomohana mud overlying burnt vegetation is visible around Volcanic Lodge. Five villages were destroyed during the eruption (Te Ariki, Waingongongo, Moura, Te Wairoa, and Waitangi) with the loss of 108 lives.
