Story: Historic volcanic activity

Sheltering in Te Wairoa (1st of 3)

Sheltering in Te Wairoa

McCrae’s Rotomahana Hotel was the largest building in Te Wairoa. A large group sheltered there as Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886, but the roof collapsed, and the survivors had to take refuge in the house of Guide Sophia Hinerangi and a nearby meeting house. A small house, covered in ash and partly collapsed, can be seen in the foreground of this photograph.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: C.010783
Photograph by A. A. Ryan

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, Carol Stewart and Graham Leonard, 'Historic volcanic activity - Tarawera', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6843/sheltering-in-te-wairoa (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney, Carol Stewart and Graham Leonard, published 12 Jun 2006