Denniston Mine
Coaling in the clouds
Once a leading coal mining town, Denniston sits high on the edge of a steep incline railway which has been described as the 8th wonder of the world. A town of extremes, workers mined the highest quality coal but families suffered the lowest living conditions.
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The significance of Denniston Mine
Māori travelled along the Papahaua range in Westland and through the area now known as Denniston. Ngāti Waewae hold mana whenua of the area.
The incredible Denniston incline
Sitting at 518 metres above the Tasman Sea, Denniston originally had one access: an incredibly steep 1670 metre long incline railway that was once described as the eighth wonder of the world.
With gradients of 1 in 1.3, the Denniston incline was an engineering marvel that used gravity and West Coast grit to transport coal wagons between 1880 and 1967. The effort was worth it—the high-grade coal that came out of Denniston’s mines had unsurpassable clean qualities that were sought after even by the British fleets.
An isolated community
Isolated and exposed to extreme weather conditions—including, at times, weeks of fog—the 1400 people who lived on the Denniston Plateau faced many hardships.
The rocky nature of the plateau, though spectacular to look at, meant that families couldn’t grow food, dig a long-drop or bury the dead. Working in the mines was dark, dusty and dangerous, and even the children were expected to do their part. Despite this, Denniston was a thriving social place of brass bands, bowling greens and unionism.
Denniston Mine is proudly cared for by the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.
Things to do at Denniston Mine
The wealth of mining relics, world-class interpretation and spectacular scenery make a visit to Denniston a must.
Walking trails
Take in the highlights of Denniston on the Brakehead loop walk, which leads to a viewpoint at the top of the Denniston incline, past coal wagons and impressive concrete foundations, to Banbury Arch which is a feat of Cornish stonemasonry.
Further up the hill is the start of the Coalbrookdale walkway that follows part of the cable-car rope road that carried coal from the mines to the top of the Denniston Incline. Relics include tunnels, foundations, a haulage winch and the country's best remaining example of a mine fanhouse.
Visit the Friends of the Hill Museum
Continue further up the road to get to the Friends of the Hill Museum, Coalbrookdale walk and reservoirs.
Immerse yourself in the histories of the mine
Download the Denniston Rose Trail app an interactive self-guided literary trail comprising 17 key locations, as featured in the best selling books by Jenny Pattrick, The Denniston Rose and Heart of Coal.
Check out the excellent interpretation panels near the carpark, filled with archival photography and diverse stories of the people who once called the plateau home.
Spectacular mountain biking
If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the plateau via a network of graded mountain bike circuits or the four-wheel-drive road that leads to the top of Mt Rochfort.
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