Rotorua's Essential 50: Day 48 - Whakarewarewa Living Village

Whakarewarewa Living Village is rich in history and home to the Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao people. Photo/File

From tragedy to a renowned tourist attraction, Whakarewarewa Living Village is fascinating thousands of visitors each year with its thermal wonders and rich history.

For more than 200 years the Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao people have welcomed visitors into their backyard. The iwi were one of the country's first hosts, welcoming visitors to the Pink and White Terraces before they were destroyed in the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera which also killed 153 people.

Today the descendants of the same people are continuing the legacy of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manakitanga (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (family) to everyone who crosses the bridge into the village.

Keith Weber of Rotorua Group Events Pty MD has fond memories of his time visiting.

"In 1940, as a 6-year-old Pakeha boy I would visit Rotorua and Whakarewarewa Village to cross the bridge and watch the Maori kids dive for pennies," he said.

In 1997 the gate between Te Puia and the village was locked separating the two attractions and preserving the village and the authentic lifestyle of Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao.

"I have taken thousands of international visitors to Whaka and Te Puia for 30 years. We survey our tourists and they love the village," Mr Weber said.

Whakarewarewa Living Village entrance is off Tryon St. It is open seven days a week from 8.30am-5pm.

The Rotorua Daily Post Essential 50 lists the city's must-see, must-do and must-try activities and experiences thanks to reader nominations. We'll be highlighting one every day over summer.