Step into the rugged footsteps of 19th-century gold miners on the Aorere Goldfields Track, a fascinating loop trail in the Aorere Valley near Collingwood, Golden Bay. This easy-to-moderate hike is packed with tunnels, relics, and panoramic views, offering a rich blend of history and nature in the Kahurangi National Park foothills.

It’s one of the best short adventures in the region for history lovers, families, and walkers who like a splash of mystery with their mountain views.

📍 Location

Start Point: Aorere Valley Road, ~15 minutes inland from Collingwood

Track Type: Loop (with side trips to tunnels and caves)

Distance: ~4.2 km (loop) + optional detours

Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy–moderate (a few steep-ish sections and slippery rocks)

🪙 What Makes This Track Special?

🏔️ 1. Gold Mining History Comes Alive

Explore the remains of New Zealand’s first major goldfield, active since 1856.

See the Druggans Flat Stamper Battery, water races, rusted equipment, and interpretive signs.
📖 You’ll learn how miners carved through the land — and the lives they left behind.

🕳️ 2. Trippy Miner Tunnels

Walk through the Devils Boots Tunnel, a 25m miner-cut tunnel through solid rock.

Optional detour to Fry’s Tunnel, another impressive hand-dug passage.
🔦 Bring a flashlight or headlamp — some tunnels get dark, damp, and mysterious.

🌄 3. Scenic Viewpoints

Look out over Aorere Valley and distant peaks of Kahurangi National Park.

Great photo ops at Lookout Rock near the track’s high point.
📸 Best lighting is mid-morning or golden hour for soft shadows and rich tones.

🗺️ Suggested Route Overview

Start at the Aorere Goldfields car park

Take the loop track clockwise for gentler climbs

Detour to Fry’s Tunnel (optional but awesome)

Continue to Devils Boots Tunnel (a must-see)

Finish with a ridge walk and descend back to the car park

🧭 What to Bring

🥾 Sturdy walking shoes (some rocky & muddy sections)

🔦 Torch/headlamp for tunnels

💧 Water & snacks

🧥 Light rain jacket — this is the West Coast!

📷 Camera or phone for those awesome tunnel shots

💡 Tips for a Great Experience

✅ Track can be slippery after rain, so go on a dry day if possible
✅ Supervised kids love this — tunnels feel like real adventures
✅ Visit Collingwood after for hot coffee, history, or fish & chips
✅ Combine with a drive to Langford Store, Te Waikoropupū Springs, or Wharariki Beach for a full-day Golden Bay loop

🏁 Final Word

The Aorere Goldfields Track is a time-traveling bushwalk where natural beauty meets old-school grit. Whether you’re here for the history, the tunnels, or the tranquil forest, this track is an underrated gem in the Golden Bay region.

⛏️ Gold may be gone, but the stories are still glittering in the hills.