What were the Pink and White Terraces of New Zealand?

The pink and white terraces - often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world - were formed by silica-rich deposits emerging from boiling geysers. The deposits cascaded down a hillside and crystallised in cooler air. The result was the famous fan-shaped terraces that were thought to have been destroyed during the eruption of Mount Tarawera on 10 June 1886.

Were the Pink and White Terraces Destroyed by Volcanic Eruption?

The terraces were said to have been destroyed, but in 2011, scientists believe they discovered remnants of the pink terrace. A 19th-century diary and hand-drawn map may also have located the terraces. The terraces may lie around 68 metres (223 ft) below the surface of Lake Rotomahana.

Where were the Pink and White Terraces Located?

The terraces were located on the shores of Lake Rotomahana at the foot of Mount Tarawera in the North Island of New Zealand and about 20 kilometres (12.4 mi) south-east of Rotorua.

What is New Zealand's Pompeii?

The village of Te Wairoa, which was the gateway to the pink and white terraces, was buried under a mountain of ash and mud after the eruption of Mount Tarawera on 10 June 1886. It is now known as the buried village and is a tourist attraction.

Pink and White Terraces of New Zealand

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