Waihi, New Zealand: Martha Mine Pit Rim Walkway

Waihi is a small town at the eastern end of the spectacular Karangahake Gorge and its associated cycleway and steam train. Waihi differs from other small sleepy NZ towns by the huge open cast gold mine slap bang in tthe centre of town.

The Pit Rim Walkway is a 4 km loop and can be started and finished anywhere en route. There are handy storyboards along the route telling the story of a mine that began underground, involved slumpage under residential areas, became open cast and has suffered from slips. A huge amount of gold has been removed.

Part of the route has an eerie feel as it traverses deserted areas when houses have been removed after the underground mine slumped under residential areas.

Some interesting historic mine buildings can be viewed - sometimes moved from original locations to enable mining operations - as well as the huge pit itself.

An easy walk that is probably even suitable for wheelchairs (although 4 km may be a bit tiring and there are some hills in one part) and also good for cycling.

Walked: March 2019