In the mid 1800s beautiful Pink and White Terraces cascading into the silica-rich waters of Lake Rotomahana, close to Rotorua, were natural wonders of New Zealand. Wealthy tourists from around the world had started to visit; a long journey from the port of Tauranga to the village of Te Wairoa, close to the shore of Lake Tarawera. Here they lodged at Rotomahana hotel in the village before being taken the last two hours by canoe.

But on 10th June 1886 Mt Tarawera erupted. It caused massive destruction; the terraces were destroyed and Te Wairoa village was buried. Well over 100 people lost their lives.