Pink Terraces carved stone replica finds home at Buried Village

A massive rock carving depicting the legendary Pink Terraces is now taking up permanent residence at the Buried Village at Tarawera.

The 19-tonne carving, gifted to the people of Rotorua by the Institute of Quarrying NZ, Aggregate and Quarry Assn of NZ, and Hinuera Natural Stone, was transported to The Buried Village yesterday [20 October]. It had previously been stored by the Rotorua District Council (RDC) until a suitable location could be found for it.

RDC’s Events & Venues operations manager Joelene Elliott says the original terraces were destroyed during the eruption of Mt Tarawera in June 1886, so it is fitting that the carving is being re-homed in the area of its inspiration.

“The Buried Village is a significant Rotorua attraction and is the site of the original Te Wairoa Village which was devastated by the Tarawera eruption.

“We’re rapt that locals and visitors will now be able to view the sculpture from the village where most tours to the Pink & White Terraces were originally based.”

Locals were first able to view the sculpture in July this year when it was on display at the Energy Events Centre during the QuarryNZ conference.

Ms Elliott says Rotorua people may now enjoy viewing the Pink Terraces replica during their Labour Weekend activities and in the future.

Before carving the stone weighed 30 tonnes and was provided by Hinuera Natural Stone Quarry and worked on by carver Mario Kerkhoff, Harry Toa and a team at the Hinuera Natural Stone Quarry.