Other infomation

• When the eruption of Mt Tarawera had died down and the rescue party started the clean up, the residents of the villages couldn't  return to their homes because the government claimed the land.

• The eruption was heard clearly as far away as Blenheim and the effects of the ash in the air were observed as far south as Christchurch. In Auckland the sound of the eruption and the flashing sky was thought by some to be an attack by Russian warships

• On 1 June 1886, a party of tourists claimed to have seen a Māori war canoe appear out of the mists on Lake Tarawera. It was being paddled by Māori in traditional dress, and disappeared when only half a mile from the tourist boat. 

How can we be prepared for another disaster like this

Before a volcanic eruption

- if you live in a active volcano zone learn about your community's warning systems and emergency plans and what you need to do.

During a volcanic eruption 

- stay indoors, along with your pets
- save water at an early stage as supplies may become contaminated
- keep gutters and roof clear of ash to prevent roof collapse
- DO NOT go sightseeing
- if you must go outside, use protective clothing. cover your head, breathe through a mask or cloth and carry a torch

Emergency survival items

• Torch and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Manual (nonelectric) can opener
• Essential medicines (including paracetamol for fever)
• Sturdy shoes
• Respiratory (breathing) protection
• Eye protection (goggles)
• Battery-powered radio
• BBQ or other means of cooking
• Toilet paper, plastic bags and bucket 

Remember to include 

• Important documents 
• Extra footwear and clothing 

Before you leave

•  Consider your pets 
• Turn of water and electricity at mains if there is time

How did this natural disaster happen?

In the early hours of 10th June 1886, after a series of constant quakes since midnight, a violent eruption occurred near the township of Rotorua. The top of nearby Mount Wahanga was completely blown off, producing a dense black cloud extending from Taheke to Paeroa, and which became a mass of thunder and lightening to continue incessantly the night long. Shortly after, nearby Mount Tarawera and its twin cone Ruawahia exploded into action, belching fire. The process of a volcanic eruption is when the pressure on a magma chamber deep below the Earth’s surface begins to build up. This building pressure causes the magma from the chamber to be forced upward through a series of tubes or conduits. As the magma reaches the surface, it is thrust through the vents on the volcano, resulting in an eruption.

what happened to get life back to normal?

After the eruption of Mt Tarawera, to get life back to normal the residents of Rotorua started the clean up of miles and miles of rubble from the villages that were destroyed, or buried under the mud. They also started the recovery of the 153 victims that were killed in the eruption . Now Mt Tarawera is a famous tourist attraction along with Lake Tarawera which was made when Mt Tarawera erupted.

What affect did it have on the land ?

The eruption effected the people of New Zealand enormously because not only did it cost hundreds of people their homes and lives, it destroyed the eighth wonder of the world and New Zealand's most famous tourist attraction. But in the end the eruption caused the formation of Lake Rotorua and some people think that it was too expensive any way.

Who was effected ?

Some of the people who were affected by the violent eruption of Mt Tarawera were the Maori tribes who lost their homes and family. The residents of Rotorua, and the whole of New Zealand, who had once had the eighth wonder of the natural world right on their very own doorstep.

What happen ?

On the 10th June 1986, in the early hours of the morning a series over 30 strong earthquakes were felt the Rotorua area. At around 2:00 am a larger earthquake was felt and followed by the sound of an explosion, this was the start of the worst New Zealand disaster in history. About half and hour later Mount Tarawera's three peaks had erupted blasting three columns of smoke and ash thousands of meters up into the air covering villages and the famed pink and white terraces.