Exploring The Route From Big River Hut To Waiuta

Exploring Exploring The Route From Big River Hut To Waiuta (Join me for an epic weekend of exploring the Big River Goldfields and track from Big River Hut to Waiuta, New Zealand, alongside The Forsaken Explorer and The Clueless Nomad. Check out there channels ‪@TheForsakenExplorerNz‬ ‪@TheCluelessNomad‬ The weather was ok with a couple of short showers, but that wasn't going to stop us! With waders, rain jackets and waterproof bag covers, we were prepared to get out there and explore. We ventured off the main track to investigate old mine workings and other interesting spots along the way. In total, we covered 12 km on foot, including all the side missions into the mines and surrounding bush. Big River Hut is a serviced Department of Conservation hut and requires booking. Location: Big River, near Reefton, West Coast, New Zealand Elevation: 685 m Capacity: 20 mattresses on four sleeping platforms Heating: Woodburner with firewood supplied Water: Rainwater tank Toilet: Longdrop Built: 1988 One thing that really stood out during this trip was the condition and lack of signage on some of the side tracks between Waiuta and Big River Hut. It would be great to see DOC do some work on these side tracks and improve the way the historic mining sites are marked. In several areas, it wasn't very clear where you were supposed to go, and there were no markers or signs when reaching the areas where the mine or battery should be located. Two sites that particularly need attention are the St George Battery and the Big River South Mine Site. Better track markers and information signs would make these historic sites much easier to find and understand. If there is nothing remaining to see at a particular site, it would still be helpful to have a sign explaining what was once there and where the site is located. This would give people exploring the area a better understanding of the history without having to guess whether they have actually found the right location. Hopefully this is something DOC can look at in the future, as these old gold mining sites are an important part of the history of the Reefton and Big River Goldfields. If you enjoy New Zealand gold mining history, abandoned mines, 4WD tracks, hiking, exploring historic sites, West Coast adventures and off-road exploration, make sure you subscribe and follow along for more adventures around New Zealand.) #ExploringWithMark #bigriver #goldmining