Local Attractions – Heritage

Denniston

The old coal mining town of Denniston sits at the top of the Denniston plateau, which provides a stunning view of the coast on a clear day. Coal mining started at Denniston and the nearby townships of Burnetts Face and Coalbrookdale in the late 1880s. The coal was brought down from the plateau on a cable railway known as the Denniston Incline, an amazing engineering feat in its day. Some relics remain and the interpretation boards give a fascinating insight in to life there. The area holds special interest for those who have read Jenny Pattrick’s historical novels ‘The Denniston Rose’ and ‘Heart of Coal’.

Restoration work is currently taking place on the original Banbury Mine. A new tourist attraction will open in January 2011, allowing visitors to access the mine by rail and experience for themselves the conditions the miners worked in.
Location: 25kms east of Westport
www.Activities Denniston

Coaltown Museum

Take a journey through the history of the Buller District and learn the stories of the pioneers. See displays of early coal mining, gold mining, timber milling and maritime industries, including one of the original wagons from the Denniston incline suspended at the actual angle of descent and the steam engine from the bucket dredge SS Mawhera which is still in working order.
Location: 165 Queen Street, Westport

The Westport Tour

This is a 1 hour guided walk with a friendly, knowledgable and entertaining guide. The tour takes in important landmarks and historic buildings around the town and you will learn some of the unique history of the area with interesting anecdotes and tales of the struggle for survival of some of our early ancestors.
Location: Departure point at Gibby’s Cafe, corner of Palmerston and Brougham Streets

Mitchells Gully Historic Gold Mine

Walk through tunnels dug 150 years ago, see the mighty water wheel and stamping battery, learn about Charleston’s vibrant gold mining history, see and hold real gold, feed eels and wekas.
Location: State Highway 6, 26km south of Westport, 40km north of Punakaiki