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COROMANDEL LIFE LATE SPRING / HOLIDAY 2018
Getting there...
Puketui Valley/Broken Hills is 19km from Tairua and 27km from
Whangamata. The two entrance roads (Puketui Valley Rd and Puketui
Rd) do not connect and a stream crossing is required between them. Be
sure to check the map
to determine the correct entrance road for your
chosen hike or destination.
A bit of history..
.
Around the turn of the 20th century, Puketui, a bustling goldmining
settlement, was established in the Broken Hills Gorge. The mine
operated successfully from 1896 to 1914, producing 51,000 oz (1446k)
of gold, worth around $100 million (at 2011 prices)! It had a post office,
hall and several shops with over 200 people living along the river. The
town lasted a few more years until the gold ran out. Small-scale mining
continued until 1923. Relics of this past mining era can still be seen, and
today, one of the old drives is being mined still using historic methods.
• Mine tunnels and shafts are very dangerous and may be hidden
by vegetation.
• Keep to marked official tracks.
• Do not enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access.
• Carry a torch with fresh batteries.
• Warm clothing is recommended.
THE RICHES OF PUKETUI VALLEY
Bottom photo: Pauanui and Tairua from the Lookout along the Main Range Trail.
Looking the other direction, the impressive Pinnacles can also be seen. From here
expect at least an hour trek back, so plan your route carefully before committing
for this distant viewpoint.
– PHOTO NZ FRENZY
Shown below are the remnants of a ford that had apparently crossed Third Branch
Stream, which connects Puketui Rd and Puketui Valley Rd. Take care crossing as
the stream is quite deep and the current swift.
– PHOTO BY ARNE ROHDE
A sampling of short walks..
.
Golden Hills Battery:
This 800m flat walk starts at the Bridge car park.
It follows the Tairua River to the Golden Hills Battery site’s original
concrete foundations, and the arches which once supported large
cyanide vats. See two mine tunnels (adits) to left, one still in use. 30min.
Broken Hills Battery:
An easy 550m flat walk starts at the north end of
the bridge carpark to Broken Hills mine. The rusting ironmongery seen
on the path was once the blacksmith’s shop. Continue along the track
past the mine to reach the battery.
Gem Of The Boom:
20min return from Puketui Valley Rd, this
easy 400m loop walk has 2 bridges and takes you to an old mining
settlement, with many relics including a jail cut from solid rock.
Government Battery:
Built by the government to process ore during the
Depression of the 1930s, only the foundation of this battery remains. Go
on to a small waterfall and pool: great for a cool-off on a hot day. 5min
from the Puketui Valley Rd end car park.
Puketui Walk:
This 900m track leads you to the stream crossing that
connects the 2 entrance roads. Good views along Tairua River and a
number of circular tracks.
Focussed exclusively on the great outdoors, NZ Frenzy details the
most popular tourist attractions, and also a ton of ‘off the beaten
track’ locations that Kiwis consider to be the ‘real NZ’. Great for
exploring the country’s most varied, unique and unforgettable
adventures. Highly rated by seasoned hikers and adventurers as the
best NZ Travel Guide for outdoorsy types. A few photos chosen for
this story are from Third Edition.
See
www.nzfrenzy.comP
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Golden Hills
Battery
to Kopu - Hikuai highway
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Broken Hills
Battery
Government
Battery
Puketui Valley
Roadend Car park
Puketui Roadend
Car park
Water Race
Tunnels
Collins Drive
Broken Hills
Campground
Bridge Car park
Broken Hills
Battery Walk
Gem of the
Boom Walk
Third Branch Track
Puketui Walk
Water Race Link Track
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Lookout
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Broken Hills
Battery
Government
Battery
Puketui Valley
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Puketui Roadend
Car park
Water Race
Tunnels
Collins Drive
Broken Hills
Campground
Bridge Car park
Broken Hills
Battery Walk
Gem of the
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Third Branch Track
Puketui Walk
Water Race Link Track
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Summit Track
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Tramping Track
Car Park
Toilets
Mine entrance
Battery site
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Kopu
Hikuai
Broken Hills
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Whangamata
Paeroa
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Warning:
Puketui
Valley Road
does not join
with Puketui
Road
to Hikaui
and SH25
WARNING: Puketui
Valley Road does
not join with
Puketui Rd.