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Reefton Must-Do's
Oddfellows Hall
Reefton was the first town in the southern hemisphere to have electric street lights; the fifth settlement in the world to provide residents with electricity. Check out the first electric light which has glowed above Oddfellows Hall since 1888.
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Reefton Court House © Adobe Stock
Bottled Lightning Powerhouse Walk
Seek the original Reefton power station, located along this 40-minute looped walk. Demolished in 1961, remnants remain. Start from the i-SITE and follow the swing bridge over Inangahua River.
Mountain Biking
From 20 minutes to multi-day adventures, Reefton is a mountain biking mecca, with 15 named trails, many of which link together. For an easy Grade 2 track, try Reefton Lookout or up the ante with Big River (Grade 3). Hardcore riders will enjoy the strenuous Kirwans Track.
The Bearded Miners
Step inside a crooked old miner’s hut. Sit in front of the fire, enjoy a cup of billy tea and listen as the bearded miners share a wealth of knowledge and anecdotes. Watch traditional blacksmithing and pan for gold.
Reefton Visitor Centre
You wouldn’t know from merely walking past, but this centre houses its own mine. As well as a working winding engine (mining hoist), there’s a walk-through replica gold mine.
Reefton Distilling Co
A modern distillery causing a big stir on the spirit scene. Housed in the original 19th century Haralds General Store, there's a distillery, tasting bar, store and small tours at 4pm.
The Broadway Tearooms
A bakery since 1874, serving miners for well over 130 years. With a historical façade, food made from a family recipe book – and the cat’s a bit of a character, too!
Reefton Cinema
Established in 1951 and albeit newly refurbished, the cinema retains all its vintage charm. At $15 adult tickets (and $8.50 for children) the prices are also refreshingly retro.
Reefton © West Coast Tourism
Pan for gold in Slab Hut Creek
Six-minutes from Reefton in Victoria Forest Park, complete with DOC campsite. Try gold fossicking in the creek – gold pans are available to buy at Reefton Sports Centre.
