The buzz is electric in old mining town

You might think that Reefton is just a blip on the map, en route to or from Greymouth, but it was once the envy of London and

New York.

In 1888, this little town was the first in the southern hemisphere to have a public supply of electricity, and it beat the suburbs of even those great cities to the luxury of street lighting.

Generated by turbines in nearby Inangahua River, the power earned Reefton its ‘‘town of light’’ title. The source of the funding behind this ambitious achievement was, of course, gold and, from the 1870s, Reefton was hugely prosperous. Many substantial buildings were built while the gold lasted.

Enthusiastic locals have worked hard to revive the town’s character from those days: Broadway, the main street, is colourfully historic.

That is where you will find the three bearded miners in their hut, keen to tell you all the stories.

WHY GO?

Because you can’t beat sitting by a crackling fire on a chilly winter’s day, clasping a mug of hot billy tea in one hand and a chunky gold nugget in the other.

The replica 1860s miner’s cottage is brilliantly done, convincingly dim and rustic, and crammed with authentic bits and pieces. The miners bring it all to life with their stories, information and jokes, entrancing children and adults alike.

Gavin, Peter and Mark look the part and live it too, happy to share the town’s history, the miners’ tales and information about gold, minerals and geology.

They will heat iron in the forge to hammer into shape on the anvil, and show you how to pan for gold, to find the flakes they promise are in your handful of gravel.

INSIDER TIP

Keep an eye open for the possum in the roof.

Make sure you learn about the mineral, leaverite.

ON THE WAY/NEARBY

Don’t miss the visitor centre with its walk-through mine, theatre and displays. Keep the theme going by heading to Nana

Ni’s for a home-made miner’s pie; or enjoy something tasty from The Broadway Tearooms and Bakery.

Buy a takeaway to have just outside town at the Inangahua Swing Bridge picnic area.

Afterwards, cross the bridge and follow the inviting track up through the beech forest for lovely views, and do the twohour return walk to the old water race. Or just wander along the river to inspect the old power station, now being restored.

There is a good range of proper tramps and mountainbike tracks in the

Victoria Conservation Park, the country’s largest. Back in town, check out Reefton Coffin Co’s antiques, the art gallery, shops, or the town’s railway heritage.

Treat yourself to a tasting of gins and vodka at Reefton Distilling Co – the tayberry liqueur is recommended. Browse exhibits in the museum at Black’s Point.

HOW MUCH?

Appropriately, a gold coin donation.

BEST TIME TO GO

The miners are usually on site 9.30am to 2pm, weather dependant. Visit reefton.co.nz.

Staying safe:

New Zealand is under Covid-19 restrictions. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.