DEATHS FROM THE TARAWERA ERUPTION
10 JUNE 1886
MOUNT TARAWERA, ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand's first recorded destructive volcanic eruption occured around one in the morning on the 10th June 1886.
Mount Tarawera is not far from Rotorua, which in 1886 was a major tourist destination, as it is today. The area was known as "The Hot Lakes" district and attracted many visitors from overseas as well as New Zealand.

Many of these visitors stayed in the small village of Te Wairoa, as it was the starting point for trips to the famous Pink and White Terraces on Lake Rotomahana. Today, Te Wairoa is famous as "THE BURIED VILLAGE" - and is well worth a visit. Linked.

The eruption began with a swarm of earthquakes, followed by what was thought to be hail. It turned out to be stones and scoria. This was soon followed by thick ash and mud. The weight of this collapsed many of the buildings. The dense air also suffocated many of the residents of the area. Thick ash and mud covered the surrounding countryside for many miles around and is still visible in disturbed areas today.

For further information on the Tarawera Eruption see the book;

Tarawera - The Volcanic Eruption of 10 June 1886
by Prof. R F Keam. 1988. Copies are available from - TARAWERA - Linked.