Coromandel Goldmining History
Gold fever struck the Coromandel Peninsula during the late 1800s and many of its towns owe their existence to this precious metal. Gold was first discovered in 1852 at Coromandel's Driving Creek and the port was kept busy servicing the gold and kauri industries. The region's goldmining history is evident in the old gold rush buildings at towns such as
Thames,
Coromandel and
Waihi. Today, Martha Mine at Waihi continues to produce gold and silver bullion.
Goldmining Attractions:
- Thames Goldmine and Stamper Battery
Guided tours underground and through the Stamper Battery, a photo museum and gold panning.
- Thames School of Mines and Museum
A school which taught mining skills from 1886-1954. Today it displays goldmining artefacts alongside its mineralogical museum.
- The Waihi Gold Mining Company
Guided tours of Martha Mine available weekdays, but bookings are essential.
- Waihi Museum and Art Gallery
Displays on the goldmining history of Waihi district.
- Goldfields Railway
A one-hour 6.5km-plus trip from Waihi to Waikino and back in a vintage train.
- Coromandel Gold Stamper Battery
The first Government Assay Stamper Battery commissioned in New Zealand and still fully operational, it boasts the country's largest working water wheel.