Explore Transportation and Industry

R28 Single Engine Fairlie

The R28 is the sole New Zealand survivor of a batch of steam engines built in Bristol, England, between 1878 and 1879. As a Single Engine Fairlie, it is one of only three of its type remaining worldwide.

Brunner Mine Site – Tohu Whenua

Once a hive of activity, fueling the nation’s growth with its high-quality coal, the site now stands as a haunting reminder of the devastating mining disaster that claimed 65 lives in 1896.

Lake Mahinapua Paddle Steamer

The Countess of Onslow

Thought to be New Zealand’s oldest surviving clinker-built lifeboat. From its 1886 construction by shipwright John Macfarlane to its royal christening and eventual restoration, explore how this Kauri-planked treasure transitioned from a river rescue vessel to a beloved local icon.

West Coast Vintage Car Club

From Haast to Karamea, the West Coast Vintage Car Club (WCVCC) celebrates classic vehicles and the rich motoring heritage of our region. As a branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand, you’ll find a warm welcome for a vast array of vehicles.

Denniston – Tohu Whenua

Denniston, a once-booming coal mining town, now stands as a haunting and inspiring reminder of the past, offering a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Known by many for its “Eighth Wonder of the World” the Denniston Incline.

Reefton Railway Station

The arrival of the New Zealand Midland Railway Company in 1892 marked a significant moment for the Inangahua district, ending Reefton’s geographic isolation and supporting an industrial boom.

Millerton and Plateau Protection Society

The small Millerton settlement, boasting a population of around 30-40 residents, carries a history deeply intertwined with coal mining, similar to its neighbour Denniston. MAPPS now acts as a conservator for the area.