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Bottled Lightning Powerhouse Walk

Distance:40 minutes

A 40 minute loop walk starting from the Reefton Visitor Centre. It starts on Broadway heading out of town towards the Inanagahua River Bridge. Cross over the bridge and head down Rosstown Road. Follow and read the signage along the way. Although the remains at the powerhouse site are very run down now there is currently a working party who are underway with plans to hopefully have the powerhouse up and running (or in a semi original state). It was here that New Zealand's first public supply of electricity was generated back in 1888. Head on over the swingbridge that takes you over the Inanagahua River again to return into town on the main highway.

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Explore Reefton Further

Getting Here Reefton is centrally located at the hub of state highway access into the Coast, north from Murchison, Nelson and Blenheim and east from Christchurch.

Our History The town of Reefton was established in 1870 and was immediately a prosperous place. In August 1888, it became the first place in New Zealand to have a public supply of electricity, even before London or New York.

Events Whether you're in Reefton for a day, overnight, a week or even more, there's always something exciting happening here. Find out more about our events and other things to do during your stay.