The conservation lands in the West Coast region contain a rich variety of historic heritage sites. The core values of these sites are recorded in a sites database, and the management aim is to protect them from harmful actions.
Almer Hut is one of the most famous huts in the Southern Alps. It sits above Franz Josef Glacier with excellent views down the valley and across to the high peaks.
This mine was one of the district's longest-lasting and most successful enterprises.
A basic two-bunk hut in the Hokitika area. This unique historic hut was built for government employed deer cullers and is the best surviving example of its type on the West Coast.
Chancellor Hut is the oldest alpine hut still on its original site. It was carried in piece by piece and assembled on site, in the days before alpine air lifts.
This area includes many historic places showcasing the West Coast’s mining history. The area also includes walks through native bush and great views.
This stamper battery crushed the quartz from Golden Lead, until miners realised their dreams of wealth were also crushed. Visit one of the few stamper batteries in New Zealand still remaining on site.
Ramble around the ruins of the old Blackball Coal Mine for an evocative industrial heritage experience.
Visit one of the quirkiest sites on the West Coast – a miniature bungalow designed, built and furnished entirely by school children.
As technology evolved, one thing stayed the same. Learn about the humble stalwart that helped miners turn water into gold, and today provides locals with power.
This is a standard 18-bunk hut in the Hokitika area. This historic hut is a relic of the Government’s 1939s fitness programme, and remains in quite original condition.
Rescue operation saves gold relic on verge of collapse in West Coast bush. The 15 head stamper battery has the most stamps remaining on site in New Zealand.
Situated in the middle of Ōkārito village, the School House was built in 1901 and restored in 1990. Nearby you'll find easy access to Ōkārito Lagoon, rugged coastlines and stunning walks in Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
This is a basic four-bunk hut in the Hokitika area. Located on the Whitcombe Pass Route, this hut provides a historic link with the area's early deer culling days.
The historic Slaty Creek Hut was originally built as a winter project in 1952 by deer cullers. It is now used by recreational hunters, trampers and climbers.
Explore the fascinating and family-friendly historic Brunner Mine and enjoy the interactive displays.
Visit Adams Flat Hut and John Adam's Grave. The hut is the last of numerous miner huts which once stood near the Fenian Goldfield.
Learn about the early exploration and formation of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. While you're in the area, walk the Historic Copland Track or visit one of the historic huts.
Croesus Track is one of the finest surviving examples of a miners' track on the West Coast. Visitors can also experience what life was like for miners by staying in historic Croesus Top Hut, or by visiting the Garden Gully Hut.
Croesus Track is one of the finest surviving examples of a miners' track on the West Coast. Croesus Track is part of Paparoa Track and a premier mountain bike ride.
Charming Creek is an outstanding example of the technological innovations by early timber millers and coal miners on the West Coast.
Ōkārito was once a gold mining boom town. Visit Donovan’s Store, one of the oldest buildings on the West Coast, and learn about its colourful history.
Visit the Historic Landsborough Rangers Hut - the only 'tent frame' hut left in New Zealand. There are also hunting opportunities in this area.
Explore one of the West Coast's best known ghost towns. Waiuta was once a bustling mining settlement, producing nearly 750,000 ounces of gold from 1.5 million tons of quartz.