The West Coast has a fascinating mining history, offering a range of heritage sites and attractions .
Maori people valued the West Coast for its Jade. Later, Europeans came seeking other precious resources in the area like gold, coal and timber. As a result the West Coast is full of abandoned railway lines, coal mills and hilltop mining towns.
There’s a labyrinth of walks and hiking trails to follow to experience these heritage attractions first-hand, as well as Shantytown – a faithfully created 1900’s pioneer town, born out of the West Coast gold rushes of the 1860s. Don't miss the Denniston Coal mine, where you can explore the shafts on a guided tour. There's also a number of small museums with relics from the gold rush throughout the area.
