Brunner Mine Historic Area

The Brunner Mine Historic Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of coal mining in New Zealand.

Located 11 km east of Greymouth on SH7, the site is easily accessible by car and can also be reached via Taylorville Road which runs between SH6. The area is home to the Brunner Mine, one of several mines situated on the banks of the Grey River, at an area known as "Coal Gorge" between the townships of Stillwater and Taylorville. The town of Brunner (formerly Brunnerton) is nearby, and visitors can explore the remnants of the mine site and learn about the history of coal mining in the area.

One of the main attractions of the Brunner Mine Historic Area is the Brunner Mine Site Walk, which takes visitors on a loop walk with interpretive panels from the car park next to State Highway 7 down the valley and over the refurbished Brunner Bridge to the remnants of the Brunner Mine site and a memorial statue. The walk is approximately 2 km long, and visitors should allow at least 1 hour to explore the historic site. However, the site can be explored without walking the full distance. In addition to the Brunner Mine Site Walk, visitors can also see a meticulously restored Q class railway coal wagon on display near the bridge.

The area also features a restaurant that is fully licensed and offers a wide range of New Zealand wines and craft beers, spirits, coffees, and teas. The Brunner Mine Historic Area is a popular destination for heritage buffs and anyone interested in the story of tragic mining accidents. The area occupies an important position on the West Coast and is second only to Westport as a significant coal mining center. The Brunner Mine was opened in 1864 and closed in 1942. The chimney on the south bank between the road and railway line has often been associated with the Brunner Mine, but was actually part of the nearby Dobson Mine.

In summary, the Brunner Mine Historic Area is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of coal mining in New Zealand. Visitors can explore the remnants of the Brunner Mine site, take a walk through the valley, and learn about the history of coal mining in the area. The area is easily accessible by car and features a restaurant that offers a wide range of New Zealand wines and craft beers, spirits, coffees, and teas.