In our 4K walking tour, we walk along the main street of Waihi and then go up the hill to see the old Cornish Pumphouse and the gigantic pit that is the Martha Mine.
Exploring the Gold-Rich Town of Waihi, New Zealand
Nestled at the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula, Waihi isn’t just another dot on the map of New Zealand’s North Island; it’s a living testament to the country’s rich mining heritage and natural beauty. Here’s our guide to uncovering the treasures of Waihi, beyond its famous gold mines.
Historical Heartbeat
Waihi’s heartbeat pulses with the rhythm of gold. Once the site of New Zealand’s richest gold mine, its history is as deep as the mines that riddle its landscapes. Visitors can delve into this past at the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre. Here, the Waihi Gold Experience and Mine Tours offer a hands-on journey through the town’s gold mining history, which boasts over 300 years of mineral extraction.
Throughout the town you will also notice a number of statues and murals dedicated to Waihi’s golden past. You might want to keep an eye out for the Rob Roy Hotel on one corner of the main Seddon Street roundabout. This two-storey Victorian-era Hotel was built in 1896 and is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Waihi.
Martha Mine
The Martha Mine, just one block from the centre of Waihi, stands as a significant historical and economic landmark. It was one of the world’s premier gold and silver mines since gold was first discovered there in 1878. By the time it temporarily closed in 1952, it had yielded over 5.6 million ounces of gold and 38.4 million ounces of silver. In the 1980s, the mine was revitalized due to rising gold prices and it transitioned into a HUGE open pit operation that can still be seen today. In 2016 there was a giant slip on its north wall which halted open pit operations. The magnitude of this slip, which involved around two million tonnes of rock, will be obvious when you look down into the gaping hole that is the mine.
Martha Mine continues to be an integral part of Waihi’s identity, contributing to the town’s economy and attracting tourists with its mining heritage, notably through the relocated Cornish Pumphouse, a historic site moved to safeguard it from mining activities.
Cornish Pumphouse
The relocation of the Cornish Pumphouse in Waihi represents a significant historical preservation effort. Originally built in 1904 next to the Martha Mine to house a Cornish steam engine for pumping water from the mine, the Pumphouse was moved in 2006 due to its proximity to ongoing mining operations, specifically the expansion of the open pit at Martha Mine. This expansion threatened the structural integrity of the Pumphouse, prompting the decision to relocate it.
The move involved a complex engineering project. The Pumphouse, weighing approximately 1,840 tonnes, was shifted over a distance of 300 meters. This required the construction of a special relocation causeway with teflon-coated concrete beams acting as a runway, allowing the Pumphouse to slide on these beams with minimal friction. The building was also internally braced with steel to ensure stability during the move. The entire relocation process took several months, highlighting the meticulous planning and execution required for such a task.
After its move, the Pumphouse was positioned in a location that’s accessible to the public via a footpath from Seddon Street (the main road in Waihi), ensuring its preservation as a historical monument while making it a part of Waihi’s tourist attractions.
This relocation was not just about saving a structure but preserving a piece of New Zealand’s industrial heritage. The Cornish Pumphouse is recognized as a Historic Place Category 1 by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, underscoring its national importance.
Attractions Near Waihi
Natural Wonders
Beyond the historical allure, Waihi sits within a playground of natural beauty. The Karangahake Gorge has a variety of historic walks where you can see the old remains of mining in the 1800s set amongst a backdrop of a gorgeous native forest and a crystal clear river. For those seeking adventure, the Hauraki Rail Trail between Paeroa and Waihi is a must, blending history with cycling through scenic landscapes.
Beaches and Beyond
Just a short 10km drive from Waihi, Waihi Beach beckons with its surf-friendly waves and golden sands, providing a perfect spot for relaxation or water sports. The Athenree Estuary and various coastal trails like the Pa Head and Viewpoint walk offer serene walks with panoramic views, showcasing Waihi’s connection to both land and sea.
Random Facts about Waihi
Near the Mine and the Cornish Pumphouse is a statue of a Rangatira (a Maori chief or noble). History tells us that in the early Maori occupation of the area, a Rangatira struck the ground with his taiaha (long spear-like weapon) and water gushed from it. He then named the area Waihihi which means “gushing water”. This statue commemorates that event. Over the years the name Waihihi has been shortened to Waihi.
The site of the present open pit used to be a hill named Pukewa by the Maori. It was the outcrops of quartz on this hill that first attracted prospectors to the area and it was here that the famous underground mine, the Martha, was established. The hill was renamed by the settlers as Martha Hill.
After the underground mine temporarily closed in 1952, until the prospecting started that led to the present open cut mine, Martha Hill was a wilderness of pines, wattles, fern and weeds. Despite many signs warning of the dangers of mining shafts, local youngsters frequently used the hill as a retreat from parental supervision.
A notorious prison escaper also used Martha Hill as a hideout for a time, He was eventually apprehended after robbing a Waihi bank and leaving a trail of coins from the bank, up Haszard Street, to Martha Hill. It is said that at one stage he joined in his own search party.
Waihi, with its blend of historical depth, natural beauty, and community spirit, offers a multifaceted experience. Whether you’re panning for gold, cycling through scenic trails, or simply enjoying the sun on Waihi Beach, this town on New Zealand’s North Island promises a treasure trove of experiences. As you explore, remember that Waihi’s true wealth lies not just in its gold but in its stories, landscapes, and the vibrant life that continues to unfold amidst its scenic beauty.
Ver la versión de este artículo en español (con más fotos)
See our version of this article in Spanish: Waihi – Nueva Zelanda
