History
Our History
Originally known as Quartzopolis, the town was established around 1870 to service the largest gold-bearing quartz reefs in the South Island, and later became a coal mining centre.
Mining brought riches, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. In 1888, Reefton became the first place in New Zealand and the southern hemisphere to have a public supply of electricity and electric street lighting, ahead of fashionable suburbs in London and New York.
The gold rush helped establish many of today’s heritage buildings which have been restored and now house an eclectic mix of galleries, gift shops, cafes, pubs and vintage shops. Reefton’s great outdoors has many historic mining routes now used as walking and mountain biking trails.
Today, Reefton is a Tohu Whenua heritage site. Tohu Whenua are the places that have shaped the country: located in stunning landscapes and rich with stories, they offer some of our best heritage experiences.
Stories
Reefton School of Mines
Following the formation of the Reefton Mining Institute in March 1885, and with the enthusiastic support of Professor James Black who held the Chair of Natural Science at Otago University, the...