3.4 km return via same track
Image gallery
This is a Tohu Whenua heritage site. Located in stunning landscapes and rich with stories, these sites offer some of our best heritage experiences.
About the walk
- West Coast coalmining heritage
- Brick fan house and historic structures
- Gravel track with a gentle climb
Coalbrookdale Walk starts at the end of Burnetts Face Road, on the Denniston Plateau, and leads to the historic Coalbrookdale Mine.
The track follows part of Denniston’s historic ‘rope road’ – a tramway that carried coal from Coalbrookdale and nearby mines to the top of the famous Denniston Incline. It passes through a short tunnel with a low ceiling – you might want to bring a torch.
Along the way, you’ll see historic coalmining relics including coal tubs, a haulage winch and bath house. Information panels tell stories of this rugged, once-bustling place.
At the end of the walk, you’ll find New Zealand’s best remaining example of a mine fan house. Built in 1912, the brick fan house provided air to coal miners working underground.
Return to the car park the same way you came.
No mountain biking
Mountain bikes are not permitted on Coalbrookdale Walk.
For mountain biking nearby, see Denniston Plateau mountain biking tracks.
Denniston is a former coalmining town high up on the West Coast’s Denniston Plateau. It’s 26 km (30 min by car) from Westport.
Directions
From Westport, follow SH67 to Waimangaroa. Turn right at the junction with McGill Street and follow the signs to Denniston Historic Coalfield Area.
Continue past the sign at the junction of Conns Creek Road indicating the bottom of Denniston Bridle Track. It’s another 8 km from here up a steep and winding sealed road to the top of the Denniston Incline.
At the junction with Boswell Street, turn left for the main Denniston car park, which has wayfinding information and provides access to the incline and Denniston Brakehead Walk.
For Coalbrookdale Walkway, turn right and follow the signs to Coalbrookdale (10 min by car). Soon after you turn left at Burnetts Face Road, the sealed road becomes gravel.
You can park at the main Burnetts Face parking area and walk 400 m to the start of Coalbrookdale Walk, or on the gravel shoulder by the track entrance.
Safety and hazards
Historic structures: Denniston is a heritage area with historic structures and closed mines. Follow all safety signs, keep children close and watch your step.
When to go
- Denniston Plateau is a subalpine environment with rapidly changing weather. It can be cold, wet and foggy at any time of year.
- It’s often foggy on Denniston Plateau, even when it’s fine on the coast. Check the weather forecast before you go, and be prepared.
What to take
Bring a torch to help you navigate the short tunnel.
Denniston coalmining heritage
For many decades, Denniston was New Zealand's largest producing coal mining area. This wild and remote township was once bursting with life and pioneering spirit.
Today, Denniston is a Category 1 Historic Place and Tohu Whenua heritage site. Remains of homes, buildings and industrial structures are an evocative reminder of life on ‘The Hill’.
Coalbrookdale Mine
The Coalbrookdale mine operated from 1891 to 1944.
The high quality of Coalbrookdale coal made it sought after around the world.
In 1889, the British steam-powered warship HMS Calliope was the only vessel to escape a disastrous hurricane in Sāmoa thanks to its use of Coalbrookdale coal.
As a result, Coalbrookdale coal became even more popular. The Royal Navy used it to supply its vessels around the world.
Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 731 1895 |
| Email: | paparoavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | 4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |