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Reefton
Reefton lies in a cradle of forested hills by the Inangahua River where
roads from Greymouth and Westport converge on their way to the Lewis Pass
and Canterbury. Born in a rash of speculation engendered by the deposits of
quartz that gave the town its name, Reefton's mining activity is now
directed towards the deposits of coal that were so often found along with
the gold-rich ore. Indeed, it was the demands of the early gold-crushing
machinery which first stimulated the development of the local coal mines.
Their output progressively focused on domestic and more generalised
industrial use as the needs of the gold miners dwindled. In recent years
coal production has fallen. Among other local activities are timber-milling
and farming.
By reason of its sheltered location, Reefton is remarkably free from winds,
a situation that results in soaring summer temperatures at the price of
intensified cold and mist in winter. Victoria Forest Park encompasses much
of the gold- and coal-mining areas and numerous tracks lead to old gold
workings. There is river swimming, trout fishing, canoeing, rafting, gold
panning and hunting.
Viewpoint: There is an excellent view of the locality from Lookout Point.
Turn left off the Reefton-Greymouth highway about 500 m from the Inangahua
river bridge. Follow Soldiers Rd for about 1 km and turn left where
signposted to follow a forestry road to the lookout. 5 km. |
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