Explore abandoned mines, discover the Te Ao Māori creation story of Te Wai Pounamu and soak up the history in charming West Coast towns as you visit Tohu Whenua in this region. 

1. Denniston Mine

Once a leading coal mining town, Denniston sits high on the edge of a steep incline railway once described as the 8th wonder of the world. Take in the highlights of Denniston on the Brakehead loop walk or explore the plateau via a network of graded mountain bike circuits or the four-wheel-drive road that leads to the top of Mt Rochefort.

2. Historic Reefton

Explore the gorgeous walks in the area and then feel like you’ve stepped into a Wild West movie set as you stroll down Broadway. Restored buildings that now house an eclectic mix of galleries, gift shops, cafés, pubs and second hand shops. Mine for gold with the Bearded Miners, do a boutique gin tasting, or stop for a yarn with one of the many friendly locals. 


3. Waiuta

Explore Waiuta - often referred to as West Coast’s best ghost town - to get a tantalising glimpse of the once bustling community that made its home here. Follow a near-level circuit of town along original roads past an Olympic size swimming pool, a rugby field with posts still standing, the Blackwater shaft, Waiuta Lodge (faithfully modelled after the hospital that stood on this site and operated as a bookable DOC hut), bowling greens, tennis court, and several cottages including the barber shop and police lock-up. 


4. Brunner Mine

Enjoy the views of Brunner Mine site and nearby cliffs from viewpoints near the carpark before following the well-graded track through the site. Allow at least one hour to explore among the well-interpreted industrial ruins which include historic coke ovens, coal wagons, a brick factory and the remains of tunnel entrances.


5. Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre

Meet master carvers in their working studios and return home with your own taonga – you may even discover a pounamu pebble on the beach. Appreciate opulent buildings constructed with the riches gleaned from the goldfields, including the Carnegie Library and Government Building. Shop to your heart’s content at one of the many galleries and gift shops, and enjoy a wide range of West Coast delicacies in countless cafés.


6. Ōkārito

Experience a range of great walking tracks and soak up Ōkārito Lagoon, the country’s largest unmodified wetland, via your choice of walk, boat or kayak. Visit the Ōkārito Wharf and boatshed, featuring great information panels, to discover the history of a town that almost reverted into the wilderness. Pop into Donovan’s Store to learn more about the town and check out their event calendar for local gigs and events.


7. Te Kopikopiko o te Waka

Previously known as Peak View, Te Kopikopiko o te Waka was redeveloped in 2022 to tell the foundational story of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana/The Southern Alps. It was co-designed with mana whenua from Ngāti Mahaki and uses sculpture to tell the celestial story of Aoraki, making it an immersive and interactive experience for all visitors. The installation is landscaped with walkways suitable for all fitness levels and a central waka feature piece presents the whakapapa of mana whenua and the overarching storyline of Te Kopikopiko o te Waka.

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Photo credits: 
1. Claudia Babirat
2. Nimmo Gallery
3. Claudia Babirat
4. Jason Blair
5. Jason Blair
6. Development West Coast
7. Jill Mitchell-Larrivee