Introduction
Visit the site of what was once New Zealand's largest producing coal mine, and one of the most isolated and difficult mining towns to live in.- Explore what's left of the town and mine – a number of relics remain with information panels that show what it was once like.
- Look down the steep incline where wagons of coal (and people too) were lowered down by cable.
- Take in the views of the coastal plains of the Karamea Bight and the mouth of the Waimangaroroa River.
Image gallery
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Restored Q wagons at the Brakehead, Denniston Image: Baptiste Maryns ©
![Restored Q wagons at the Brakehead, Denniston.]( "Restored Q wagons at the Brakehead, Denniston.")
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Interpretation panels bring to life the history of Denniston Image: Baptiste Maryns ©
![Illustration from info panel at Denniston.]( "Illustration from info panel at Denniston.")
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The walking tracks pass by relics left behind from Denniston's rich coal mining history Image: Baptiste Maryns ©
![People on the walking track at Denniston.]( "People on the walking track at Denniston.")
Get ready
Download the Denniston adventure map (PDF, 1,138K) and check out what you can do.
Go and explore
Look out for the Guardian Post when you get there. On it you'll find a special code word - write it down.
Getting there: Denniston is 18 km north-east of Westport. From Westport, follow SH67 for 16 km to Waimangaroa, then take the signposted turn off to Denniston.
Claim your reward
Tell us the Denniston code word to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal for this adventure.
Put the medal on your back pack or pencil case to show everyone the adventure you've had.
Each Kiwi Guardians place has a different medal - see how many you can collect.
