Most of the surviving buildings from Reefton’s gold-mining past lie within a compact area of the town, and a self-guided history walk takes you through Reefton. Relics of the Big River Quartz Mine and its associated settlement sites are in the surrounding area. There are also routes with very different time requirements. When planning your stay, it is worth distinguishing between the town walk, historic destinations outside Reefton and the longer mountain bike circuit.

Mining history in the townscape

Reefton was a major mining centre on the West Coast during the last three decades of the 19th century. Reefton School of Mines was founded in 1886 as a centre for mining education in the Inangahua District. The townscape therefore reflects both the importance of mining and the history of its educational institutions. Reefton Historic Area is registered as a historic place under the Historic Places Act 1993.

Most of the surviving buildings from Reefton’s gold-mining past lie within a compact area where the three main roads leading into town converge. This focal point provides a useful reference for the self-guided history walk through Reefton. Along Broadway, restored buildings house galleries, souvenir shops, cafés, pubs and second-hand shops. Here, historic buildings sit alongside shops and places to eat and drink; you can combine a look at the town’s history with a stroll along the street.

Walking routes and mining sites

A 40-minute circuit starts at the Reefton Visitor Centre, crosses the Inangahua River and leads to the crumbling remains of a power station. In 1888, it supplied electricity to the country’s first streetlights. The Visitor Centre also includes a replica of the underground mining experience Quartzopolis. Reefton thus offers several ways to explore its mining history: a walk through town, a route to the power station remains and a recreation of an underground mining experience.

A popular mountain bike circuit starts at Blacks Point on the Murray Creek Track. It follows the Waitahu Track to Gannons Road and takes about five hours. The circuit, with its stated duration of 40 minutes, and the mountain bike route differ considerably in the time and activity involved. Check current track conditions before setting out.

In the area around Reefton, the relics of the Big River Quartz Mine and its associated settlement sites in Victoria Forest Park are among the main attractions. The mine is 30 kilometres south of Reefton. At Slab Hut Creek, there is also a freely accessible area for recreational gold panning; no permit is required there. Check current access information before visiting.

Tasting and getting around

Reefton Distilling Co. has its shop in the historic, restored Harold Bros General Store in the centre of Reefton. Tours and tastings are offered there. Tours that must be booked in advance offer an insight into the production of Moonlight Creek Whisky and Little Biddy Gin. Confirm the current arrangements before your trip and plan to book a tour in advance.

The road layout also helps with orientation: State Highway 69 runs through Reefton to the north and connects the town with State Highway 6. State Highway 7 runs along the southern edge of town. When planning your journey, you can distinguish between the roads that pass through town and the location of the southern highway section.

Discover more destinations: Karangarua, Karamea, Kumara, Denniston, Seddonville.

Return to the main travel overview: West Coast.