Story: Historic volcanic activity

Tarawera landscape after the eruption (1st of 2)

Tarawera landscape after the eruption

The surveyor S. P. Smith studied Mt Tarawera and the surrounding area to see how much the countryside had changed after the eruption. This photograph, taken on 27 July 1886, shows the survey party approaching the north-western edge of Rotomahana crater, which is still steaming vigorously. Rain has eroded the thick blanket of mud and ash into narrow rills, which persisted for years after the eruption.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: A.002969
Photograph by C. Spencer

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/6846/tarawera-landscape-after-the-eruption (accessed 30 March 2024)

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