HISTORY LOST
Like the Wild West in USA, New Zealand too has many towns that became ghost towns-there is little trace of them. As we travel New Zealand in our home on wheels we are constantly amazed that this history is being lost. Go to the Dennison Plateau and explore this region that once had many towns associated with the mines there and be disappointed that more is not done to preserve our heritage. (See our Dennison review)
REEFTON is Gold
Reefton, however, has gone someway to retain examples of these Gold Mining days. Visit the Information Centre in the middle of town for a view of what times were like during the Gold Rush era. On the Main Street you will view some Gold Miners cottages, implements and more.
We loved Reefton with the Gold Mining history, the cafes and galleries and lovingly restored buildings of the 1870’s. I got to meet the artist of the Mural on the front page. Jean Davidson was working at the wonderful gallery at the top end of town.
Reefton citizens must be complimented on the wonderful job they have done restoring the buildings in the town.
Not to be missed is the Reefton Distillery. The distillery makes boutique gin, liqueurs, Vodka and whiskey.
Their Little Biddy Gin is the fastest growing gin in New Zealand.
WAIUTA GOLD MINE
A 30min drive from Reefton town is Waiuta, home of the Goldmine and remains of the town.
If you are brave enough to travel up the windy, narrow (in most places just one way) road high above Reefton in the hills to the once Gold town of Waiuta, It was scary getting there by our Suzuki and we are so glad we made the effort though. Robyn and I met a family who spent the night in their car up there enjoying the history and fossicking for gold. They were waiting for the AA to assist them getting off the mountain as they had left their lights on overnight.
We loved walking around the town remains and reading the history boards displayed.
The Blackwater Mines Ltd invested in a large scale mining operation near Greek Creek and created the town of Waiuta in 1908.
The pics of the town that was home for all the Gold miners, company staff and their families.
GOLD MINE TO RE-OPEN
The mine there is to re-open and intends to employ 140 people by 2024 when they do.
BLACKWATER SCHOOL
On the road to Waiuta Goldmine town 6klm away, you will enjoy a stop at a small (one classroom) school of Blackwater. What a treat this was for Robyn and I to vIew some of the school work and of course the ‘times table’ on the blackboard behind the teachers desk.
No mail at Waiuta since 1951 when the ventilation shaft collapsed at the mine and was too expensive to repair. The mine closed in 1951.
2 Comments
James Bonham
What a fascinating journey Robyn & Peter, there’s always tremendous nostalgia when you encounter abandoned buildings, and your wonderful photos capture that feeling.
Les Chung
Mele Kalikimaka Me Ka Hauoli Makahiki Hou! Robyn & Peter….Truly extraordinary adventure you’re on! Thankyou for sharing your remarkable journey with us and sharing your story and photos with us that just captures the historical gold mining town of the past….May the Season of Xmas fill your hearts with Joy and Peace as we move forward to the New Year! Wishing You the Best and Safe Travels! Fondest Aloha! Les & Annie