Epic Travel → Asia & the South Pacific → New Zealand → West Coast → Brunner Mine Site

Location: Greymouth area, West Coast, New Zealand

Time Required: 1 hour

Red Tape/Notes: If you’re really interested, you can download this nice self-guide brochure from the DoC on your phone and carry it around the site to maximize your educational opportunities.

What’s Nearby?:  Motukiekie Beach Walk, Coal Creek Falls

Adventure seekers will probably not be terribly interested in this site, and a part of me feels like I’m turning into my parents by thinking these stops are cool, but I really enjoy learning about the mining history of the area, and this is a particularly interesting and educational spot. Basically forgotten and being reclaimed by the forest, the site was rescued by the Historic Places Trust in the late 1970’s and dug out of the jungle like a Mayan temple site in Guatemala (okay not quite that dramatic, but you get the point).

Starting at the notable chimney on the south bank, which was actually a part of the Tyneside mine, you cross the historic bridge and continue on a loop walk around the Brunner site. Interpretive panels highlight various features and a large memorial has extensive information on the Brunner Mine Disaster of 1865, when an explosion underground killed all 65 miners inside. It’s considered to be New Zealand’s worst mining disaster and crippled the community, leaving dozens of widows and fatherless children. And on the less heartbreaking side, there’s a nice swimming hole under the bridge where people often picnic.

Epic Travel → Asia & the South Pacific → New Zealand → West Coast → Brunner Mine Site