Located on the North Island of New Zealand, Mount Tarawera is part of the active Okataina Volcanic Center of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. At only 1111 meters, the mountain is not among the tallest of New Zealand's mountains. The mountain consists of three peaks: Wahanga, Ruawahia and Tarawera. These peaks include the volcano's crater, a series of chasms extending for seventeen kilometers.
Mount Tarawera is most well-known for its great eruption on June 10, 1886. Following a series of earthquakes, all three peaks of the volcano erupted. The pyroclastic flows from the eruption wiped out several Maori villages as well as the famous Pink and White Terraces. The sound of the eruption was heard from as far away as the South Island of New Zealand. In total, as many as 153 people were killed during the eruption.
Nearby Maori tribes have long considered Mount Tarawera to be a sacred site. Several sub-tribes of the Te Arawa tribe lived in the vicinity. Traditionally, prominent members of the tribes were laid to rest at the summit of the volcano. To this day, Maoris consider Mount Tarawera sacred and access is limited as a result.
Maori legends claim that the great explorer Ngatoroirangi imprisoned a deity, Tamaohoi, in the crater of Mount Tarawera. When the mountain erupted in 1886, Tamaohoi was believed to have escaped from his prison. Prior to the eruption, a group of tourists claimed to have seen a war canoe approach their boat. It then disappeared into the mist. After the eruption, tribal elders claimed it was a "spirit canoe" sent to warn of the impending catastrophe.
Mount Tarawera is a popular tourist destination for outdoor activities. Although the area is restricted due to its sacred status, there are many tours available for booking. Since the volcano remains dormant, crater visits, either on foot or by helicopter are among the most popular activities at the mountain.
