Reefton Goldfields Journey

The Goldfields of Quartzopolis is a corner of the Victoria Forest Park that is home to Reefton’s rich mining heritage and a wilderness playground.

Now a wilderness playground, the Goldfields of Quartzopolis occupy a corner of the Victoria Forest Park and are home to Reefton’s rich mining heritage.  

Using Reefton as a base from which to explore from, its possible to seek out adventures which have a uniquely New Zealand flavour; expeditions which suit your family, friends or just your own fancy. It could be 4WD driving into mining history, hooking a trout for lunch, mountainbiking a scenic trail, sluicing for gold, waking up in a backcountry hut to snow on the ground, or just catching the shrill of elusive kaka. These are the modern riches of the Goldfields of Quartzopolis.

Although some alluvial gold had been won in the district, it was that discovery of rich gold bearing quartz reefs in the hills above Blacks Point that blazed the town to life in 1870. The linking of Reefton to the rest of the country by telegraph in 1872 served to heighten investor interest to fever pitch. Telegrams poured by their thousands into the town that was described as ‘the most brisk, business-like place in the whole colony. Reefton’s stock exchange seethed with excitement and ‘script mania’ gripped the town as discoveries were made by such companies as Imperial, Wealth of Nations, and Golden Fleece. Over £2 million in gold was recovered over the next 30 years, and Reefton’s streets were the first in New Zealand to be lit by electricity.

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The Expedition Series

Straight to the Point of Gold

Make a perfect day of it at the quirk-essential cottage town of Blacks Point.  Visit the locals fully operational 1890’ gold battery, browse the eclectic style Blacks Point museum take a side trip to the Black Point suspension bridge and spot the locals pet trout.  Compliment the day with a vigorous walk to the Energetic Mine also known as the infamous “Slaughter House”.  

The Gold & Bird Song

Who doesn’t like bird songs and gold.  The Slab Hut Campground has both.  Our visitors have reported large flocks of kaka, parakeet, tui and more. While you past the time spotting all types of birds, try your luck on the gold sluice boxes provided.  Like the wildlife the gold is free.

The Rich Pools of Inangahua

No better way to enrich yourself than to swim in a freshwater swimming hole and wobbled across a glorious swing bridge.  When the lowlands get hot, this drive to spot is a gem, Inangahua Suspension Bridge, 10 mins from town.  Do take some sausages’ for the river stone barbeque.

The Greatest Skate Park in History

If you judge a town by the size of its skate park, then Reefton is LA.  Your kids will not be disappointed and they will never thank you so much.  From, full Hollywood bowls to the tonnes of ½ pipes and ramps.  It is totally sorted; bring your bike, scooter, skate board. 

Check http://www.skateparkhunter.com/new-zealand/reefton-skatepark/ 

The Maiden 4WD Voyage

Don’t ever let a chance go by, your families 4WD.  The Waitahu Valley, its granite bouldered river and its 4WD road is an idyllic experimental expedition.  For a novice 4 wheel driver, it will challenge in places, but it is highly accessible.  Make it a double family adventure with fishing rod and lure.  Or triple adventure with the ‘dare to do, sand-fly swim’.  In Reefton the backcountry fun is only 5 mins away.

Beyond the Snowline

Your best ever, big time tramp.  On the edge of the alpine tussocks sits Kirwans Hut, one of New Zealand’s cosiest and quaintest.  This is a priceless, one off gem of a South Island over nighter tramp.  Select your time of visit for spring sunsets, winter snow or summer kiwi listening.

The Clematis Devil

Our first choice adventure mountain bike expedition, down the Devils Tail to Clematis Suspension Bridge.  Combination pack track, historic road, into the wilderness of beech forest and granite country.  Take a ride into the valley like a winding vine, to the deep pools of the Clematis Suspension Bridge.  Here in spring the Clematis Flower is white like snow.  You then follow an easy 4WD road back to a civilised coffee.

The Everlasting Downhill

The premier, full on, downhill mountain bike ride is one of New Zealand’s legendary rides.  10km, 1000m high. Check: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LJSBlk1p7I.

The Lord of Battery’s

This Goliath of stamper batterys ‘The Lord Brassey’ stands proud as ever, nestled in the lushness of native bush.  It is in such good condition it could almost crush quartz again. Commit to a full day trip with a 4WD and short tramp, or pick it off from Kirwans Hut.  Either way you will find your self asking, ‘how did it get here’. The old miners didn’t mind a challenge. 

Finding the Golden Lead

The final tick box.  Deep, deep in Deep Creek, is the illusive Golden Lead Battery.  Why go there? Because “it is there”, no other reason.