Waiuta

Today it is a town full of memories and history.

Within its forest-surrounded setting many mining relics remain from the days when it was a bustling miners town, and a few of the towns original buildings still remain including the old Police Station, Rimu cottage and the old barbers shop.

Waiuta is a perfect spot for nature lovers, historians and photographers alike.

Jimmy Martin, by appointment for groups, brings the historic gold mining town of Waiuta alive. His one-person re-enactment of the discovery of New Zealand's second richest gold mine allows you to travel back in time and absorb the colourful history and activity of the place.

For those who just want to explore without Jimmy's company, Waiuta offers a range of walks around the town's streets and nearby mine and battery sites. With 1 ½ hours you can explore the site of the gold discovery, imagine the children swimming in the 25 yard pool, hear the sounds of activity at the Blackwater mine area and pass by the old police station where sometimes the "honorary mayor" of Waiuta Tim White resides.

If you have more time to spare, you can either drive or climb up the hill to the Prohibition Mine site and marvel at the views of the Paparoa Ranges and Southern Alps in the distance. On a clear day you can see Mt Cook. You can stand over what was New Zealand'sdeepest mineshaft at 879 metres and ponder that the last 150 metres of the shaft was actually below sea level.

For those who want a round trip walk and have at least 2 ½ hours to spare, go down the well formed track to the Snowy Battery where the quartz was once crushed to free the gold, then return via the hydro-electric powerhouse site before climbing back up to the town.

Waiuta is also the starting point of the Reefton Goldfields Journey.

Access to Waiuta is via SH 7, 38 km south of Reefton, turning off the highway just before Ikamatua.

The narrow rural road leading to the town takes you past the old Blackwater School (pictured), carefully cared for by local residents. Sit at one of the desks, dip a quill pen in the inkwell and you're ready for a lesson of another time.