Gold mining

Waihi is definitely the centre of gold mining in our country. The huge hole (300m deep) in the centre of the town is ginormous.  It is from this hole that the open cast mine operates though underground mining is back operating again. The Favona and Trio underground mines are both operating right under the town.  Over the last 100 years or more gold has been mined here in Waihi. The museum has a very clever model that shows just how extensive the tunnels under Waihi were.

We walked the 2km around the top of the mine.
Stephen looking on at this redundant dumpster.

Link to further information: Martha Mine

The Karangahake Gorge is between Waihi and Paeroa and has also been the scene for a large gold mining operation in the past. It always amazes me, how once the gold has been removed and it is no longer profitable, much of the equipment has been left to rust and rot away. Of course, that discarded mining equipment is now 'historic' and provides tourists and people like us, a place to visit, walk among the ruins and soak up a bit of the history.

Looking down towards the car park and information area.

The entrance to one of the many tunnels.

A special feature of the tunnels we walked through are
these 'windows', built to be able to throw waste rock through
down into the river below.
 

Looking out one of the 'windows'. 

This spot is certainly well worth a stop. There is plenty of parking space, plenty of interpretation panels outlining the history and several walks of varying lengths.

Further information about  Karangahake Gorge