Te Tarata, also known as the "White Terraces," was a natural geothermal formation located near Lake Tarawera in New Zealand. These stunning silica terraces were created by the deposition of silica from hot springs, resulting in beautiful white formations that resembled cascading waterfalls. Te Tarata was a popular tourist destination in the 19th century, attracting visitors from around the world. In 1886, a catastrophic eruption of Mount Tarawera buried Te Tarata under volcanic ash, leading to its destruction. The eruption also caused significant changes to the surrounding landscape, impacting local communities and the natural environment. Today, the site remains a symbol of the region's geothermal activity and cultural history.