This flat walk starts at the Bridge car park and follows alongside the Tairua River to the Golden Hills Battery site. The track originally carried horse-drawn wagons from the mines to the Golden Hills and Broken Hills Battery sites.

The Golden Hills mines started large scale production in 1908. By 1910 a stamper battery had been built across the river from the mine, but production lasted only 3 years. The battery used an expensive but unreliable coke-powered suction gas engine that was too large for the size of the reef being worked.

On your way to the Golden Hills Battery you will see two mine tunnels (adits) on your left, one of which is still being worked today. Observe all safety signs. At the battery site look for the original concrete foundations and arches that once supported large cyanide vats.

Broken Hills is 19 km from Tairua and 27 km from Whangamata.

The two entrance roads (Puketui Valley Road and Puketui Road) to Broken Hills do not connect and a stream crossing is required between them.

Plan your journey so you access your destined track or campsite by the correct entrance road.

Puketui Valley Road entrance

Turn off SH25 at Hikuai onto Morrison’s Road (50 m north of the Pauanui turn off) then onto Puketui Valley Road. It is 6 km to the car park at the end of Puketui Valley Road.

Note: Tairua River Bridge, one km short of the road end, has a 10-tonne weight limit.

Puketui Road entrance

Alternative access is available off the Kopu-Hikuai Road (SH25a), 26 km from Thames. Turn on to Puketui Road 400 m before the Tairua River and Fourth Branch Scenic Reserve. A 4 km gravel road brings you to the Puketui Road car park at the southern end of Broken Hills. You will need to wade the stream to access the track system as there is no bridge across the water.

• Mine tunnels and shafts are very dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation.
• Keep to marked official tracks.
• Do not enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access. 
• Carry a torch with fresh batteries.
• Warm clothing is recommended.