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, discovery the fascinting history of the Denniston community in onsite interpretation panels, or explore the plateau via a network of graded mountain bike circuits.

Historic Reefton

Nicknamed Quartzopolis and the Town of Light, Reefton was the booming commercial centre of quartz reef gold mining and the first place in the southern hemisphere to supply electric street lighting. Explore Broadway with its restored buildings that 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. 

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 site, 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. 

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.

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 Hokitika 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.

Ōkārito

Experience a range of great walking tracks or venture out onto Ōkārito Lagoon, the country’s largest unmodified wetland, via boat or kayak. Visit the Ōkārito Wharf and boatshed, featuring fascinating information panels, to discover the history of a goldmining 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. 

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. Accessible walkways surround a central waka sculpture that represents the whakapapa of mana whenua and the overarching storyline of Te Kopikopiko o te Waka.


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