Heritage Sites on the West Coast of New Zealand
Coal and gold were among some of the first precious commodities found in the West Coast of the South Island.
What was otherwise a fairly unattractive place for early settlers to settle dues to the wild weather and risky terrain, became booming with people wanting to make their fortunes in the coal mines and goldfields.
They endured unimaginable hardships in dangerous areas. Discover their stories and see what was left behind in the historic places on the West Coast. There are fascinating places that are sure to get the imagination running.
While you’re here you might also be interested in 10 West Coast Must-Dos.
Table of Contents
1. Charming Creek & Chasm Creek Walkways
Step back in time and into nature on the Chasm Creek and Charming Creek Walkways. The Charming Creek Walkway (3-hour return) follows a private bush tramway from the early 1900s, weaving through dramatic gorge scenery and showcasing relics of West Coast’s industrial past.
You’ll encounter abandoned coal mine and sawmill sites, rusting machinery, and even pass through tunnels. The highlight? The stunning Mangatini Falls crowning the gorge.
For a shorter adventure, the Chasm Creek Walkway (30-minute return) features a bridge and tunnel where you can spot glowworms at night. Both walks offer a unique mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue, perfect for families and history buffs alike.
Location: On the road between Seddonville and Waimangaroa
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Denniston
Perched 600 m (1,969 ft) above the coast, Denniston is a haunting reminder of New Zealand’s coal mining history. Once a bustling town and the country’s top coal producer in the early 1900s, it’s now a fascinating ghost town to explore.
The engineering marvel of the Denniston Incline, a gravity-powered cable railway, was the lifeline of this isolated community. Today, this Category 1 Historic Place is preserved by DOC and local groups.
Visit the small museum in the old schoolhouse to delve into Denniston’s dramatic past.
For a deeper experience, tackle the Denniston Bridle Track (5-6 hours return) or take the shorter Brakehead Walk (40-minute loop) to discover the remnants of the mining era.
Location: Denniston, West Coast, South Island. 18 km (11 mi) northeast of Westport.
© Tohu Whenua - westcoast.co.nz3. Reefton
Reefton is rich in fascinating history, from being the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric street lighting to being surrounded by disused gold mines.
Known as the “Town of Light”, Reefton was founded in the 1870s during the quartz-reef gold rush and became a pioneer in electric innovation. Its gold-powered prosperity, which saw tens of thousands of kilos produced between 1872-1951, fueled not just the town’s growth but also its innovative spirit.
Today, you can explore this history through architecture walks and at sites like the Reefton Visitor Centre, which houses a working mine engine.
For a hands-on experience, try gold panning at the BeardedMiners’ Co. Be sure to see the historic sites in the area such as the Blacks Point Battery and the Blacks Point Museum.
See what to do in the town in 15 Awesome Things to Do in Reefton.
Location: Reefton
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Runanga
Discover the rich mining heritage of Runanga, a planned miners’ town established in the early 1900s. Its name, meaning “meeting place” in Māori, reflects its origins as a hub for coalfield workers.
Check out the information board along the main road, which details the historic and current mines that have been the lifeblood of this community. Don’t miss the photo opportunity at the flamboyant Miners’ Hall, a striking testament to the town’s past that looks remarkably unchanged from historical photos!
While exploring Runanga’s history, it’s important to remember the 1967 Strongman mine explosion that tragically claimed 19 lives, a sombre event that deeply impacted the community and mining safety standards across New Zealand.
Location: Runanga, West Coast, South Island. 4 km (2.5 mi) northeast of Greymouth.
© National Library NZ on The Commons on Wikipedia5. Brunner Mine
Step back in time at the scene of New Zealand’s worst industrial disaster. In 1896, an explosion at the Brunner Mine claimed the lives of 65 miners, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
Despite this tragedy, Brunner was once one of the country’s largest coal producers, boasting a thriving township, brickworks, and coke ovens.
Today, visitors can explore the restored suspension bridge, walk the memorial loop, and discover the mine’s dual legacy of industrial pride and profound loss.
The haunting remnants of chimneys and ruins offer a tangible connection to this pivotal chapter in New Zealand’s past.
Location: 11 km (7 mi) east of Greymouth along State Highway 7
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Shantytown
This recreated 19th-century gold-rush village is a must-visit for history buffs and playful adventurers alike. Nestled in native rainforest just south of Greymouth, Shantytown Heritage Park offers a vibrant glimpse into New Zealand’s pioneering past.
The open-air museum boasts 30 historic buildings, a steam train ride, and hands-on experiences like gold panning and sluicing.
Don’t miss the 3D holographic theatre, working sawmill, and the chance to step back in time with old-time photos.
Location: Rutherglen Road, Paroa, West Coast, South Island. 10 km (6 mi) south of Greymouth.
© ShantyTown Heritage Park - westcoast.co.nz7. Ross Goldfields
Ross was once one of the richest alluvial gold towns on the West Coast, born in the mid-1860s rush.
Discover its fascinating history at the Ross Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre, where you can see a replica of the “Honourable Roddy”, New Zealand’s largest gold nugget, unearthed nearby in 1909.
Try your luck at gold panning, explore models of mining machinery and full-scale replicas. For a deeper dive into the area’s golden past, take the Ross Goldfields Walkway (45 minutes one way), following a historic water race past old gold workings.
It’s a captivating journey through time that, according to our editor-in-chief, Laura, “brings the area’s rich mining heritage to life”.
Location: Ross. 30 km (19 mi) south of Hokitika.
© RoadyNZ - westcoast.co.nz8. Westport
Westport is the West Coast’s oldest town and was once the main shipping point for coal to international markets. Established in 1861, it’s the oldest European settlement on the West Coast, sitting at the mouth of the Buller River.
The town’s rich history is evident in its colonial buildings and can be explored in depth at the fantastic Coaltown Museum.
Opened in 2013, the museum showcases the region’s mining heritage with exhibits like an eight-ton coal wagon from Denniston and a simulated underground experience.
We’re particularly impressed by the steam engine from SS Mawhera on display.
Learn more about the museum and others in the region in our 10 Interesting Museums on the West Coast.
Location: Westport, Buller District
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Greymouth
Greymouth was established as a port for the first Gold Rush, but its rich history goes far beyond that. Today, it’s the West Coast’s largest town, offering a mix of heritage and adventure.
The Coal River Park showcases the town’s mining past with coal drill sculptures and restored coal wagons.
For a deeper dive into local history, visit the Pop-Up History House Museum, which houses relics from the mining era and a 3D map of the area’s coal mines.
Take the “Heritage Town Walk” to explore historic buildings and soak in the town’s character.
According to our travel manager, Robin, “Greymouth is a gateway to both history and outdoor adventures, with the TranzAlpine railway station and access to the Wilderness Trail right at your fingertips.”
See what else to do in the town in 5 Greymouth Must-Dos.
Location: Greymouth
© Mattinbgn on Wikipedia10. Hokitika
Once the busiest port in New Zealand during the 1867 gold rush, Hokitika remains a vibrant testament to its golden past.
Explore the town’s rich history at the Hokitika Museum and witness the machinery of yesteryear at the Westland Industrial Heritage Park.
Hokitika’s heritage walk is a must-do, revealing gold-rush buildings and the proud Customhouse.
For those seeking adventure, the Lake Kaniere Walkway (2-3 hours return) follows an old water race, while the Mahinapua Walk (3-hour return) traces a former bush tram route. Both trails showcase fascinating mining relics.
Discover more about these walks in 20 Unforgettable Walks in Hokitika.
Location: Hokitika
© Stewart Nimmo - westcoast.co.nzMore About the West Coast
That’s it for our guide to the best historical places on the West Coast; for more information about West Coast attractions, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Travel Guide to the New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
