Waiuta walking tracks
Located in Waiuta area in the West Coast region
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Introduction
Waiuta is one of the West Coast’s best known ghost towns and there are a number of walking tracks to help you explore the area.
Tohu Whenua are the places that have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand. Located in stunning landscapes and rich with stories, they offer some of our best heritage experiences.
Dog access
All of these tracks are within 30min drive from Reefton and offer a taste of Reefton's fascinating history.
Prohibition Mine and Ball Mill
Time: 1 hr
From the old Waiuta town site, "Pro Road" winds up to the top of the country's deepest mineshaft (879 metres) and foundations of the ball mill where quartz was ground to extract gold. There are fine views from a 580 metre altitude. Part of the return journey can be made via the miners' short-cut track, which leaves the road just below the mine.
Waiuta Town Walk
Time: 1 hr 30 min, return
Distance: 2 km
The township of Waiuta is signposted from the Reefton highway (SH 7), 21 km south of Reefton. Follow the sealed and shingle road a further 16 km to Waiuta. The road is suitable for cars. Once you get to the site walk from the main information site along Top Road. This walk passes the Blackwater mine, settlement and recreation areas. Historic photos depicting the town are interpreted along the walk.
Snowy Battery Track
Time: 2 hr 30 min, return
Distance: 5.1 km
From the old Waiuta town site a well formed downhill track leads you to the remains of a massive gold extraction plant, including large cyanide tanks and machinery foundations. The return journey can be either: returning by the track in, following the water race from the battery to powerhouse site then up a gentle graded track to Waiuta, or from the powerhouse crossing the river to Hukarere Road for a prearranged pick up.
Waiuta is signposted from the Reefton highway (SH7), 21 km south of Reefton. Follow the sealed and shingle road a further 16 km to Waiuta.
There are a plethora of historic sites and relics around Reefton, mostly relating to quartz gold mining. In fact many of the walking tracks were originally formed as accessways to mines.
Contacts
| Reefton Visitor Information Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 732 8391 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | rvcinfo@xtra.co.nz |
| Address: |
67–69 Broadway Reefton |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 100 Reefton 7851 |
| Full office details | |