The Brakehead
Denniston was the main township of a unique collection of mining towns built to service the coal mines on the Denniston plateau. It is accessible via nine kilometres of winding, sealed road from Waimangaroa, and it offers magnificent views down to the coastal plains of the Karamea Bight and the mouth of the Waimangaroa River.
Friends of the Hill run an excellent museum at Denniston with photos, static displays and other information in the old School manual training building.
Explore the wild and remote environment of the Denniston Plateau by walking or mountain biking.
Contact the Westport i-site for information on places to stay in the Denniston area: Tel +64 3 789 6658
Find out how to plan for a trip to Denniston
Premium coal mined from a lonely landscape in the clouds. Visit the dramatic location of the West Coast's leading coal mine.
Denniston on the West Coast is steeped in coal mining history. Here you can glimpse how it was to live here. Watch this video and discover what locals called the 'eighth wonder of the world'.
This document provides an overview of the cultural and historic significance of the Denniston Historic Area.
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New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Paparoa National Park
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
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