Information: Mt Tarawera is part of the Okataina volcanic centre which also includes the volcanoes of Haroharo, Mt Edgecumbe, Okareka and Rotoma. In 1886 Tarawera volcano destroyed the pink and white terraces during a 4.5 hour eruption. There were few precursory signs of the eruption. One hour before the eruption began at Tarawera there were felt earthquakes. 
 

The first eruption began at 01:30am on 10th June 1886 when a violent earthquake was followed by a plume which reached 9 km high. During the maximum phase from 3:00am to 6:00am a 17 km long fissure erupted from Wahanga dome to Waimangu valley. 

Eruption History here: