Moanataiari and Waiotahi Valleys – A quick walk-through

A walk around mining (and other) sites in the Moanataiari and Waiotahi valleys.  Guided by local historian Russell Skeet.

Medium difficulty walk (all on marked tracks) with about 40% uphill – fairly gentle grade (mostly follows tramway routes).

Start / End point:  Thames Goldmine Experience car park, corner State Highway 25 and Moanataiari Creek Road

Cost: $5 per head (includes handout with photos etc).  Under-12s free.

Route: The guided tour will take participants up Moanataiari Creek Road to the Mountain Bike track car park; then follow the tramway route up to the site of the Rainbow Hotel.  We will then follow a track across to the Waiotahi Valley before returning to the Thames Goldmine Experience car park via the historic (and lucrative) Waiotahi claim – known as ‘the last great bonanza’ of the Thames goldfield.  Along the way historic locations will be pointed out and reference made to the illustrated guide issued as part of the ticket fee.  Features include tramways, the Caledonian mine site, Messenger’s Hill, stamper battery sites, Roberts’ battery and mine sites and the Kuranui Battery site, amongst others.

Numbers:  no limit but social distancing will be required.