Seddonville: Mining History and Trails

Seddonville brings together a defining chapter in coal mining history and trails in the town and surrounding area. New Zealand’s first state-owned coal mine opened here in 1903. It is also helpful to distinguish locations when planning your trip: The Old Ghost Road ends in Seddonville, while several other trail destinations are nearby.

Mining history in and around Seddonville

Chasm Creek Walkway and Charming Creek Walkway are among the most important reminders of Seddonville’s mining heritage. Nearby, Charming Creek is one of New Zealand’s best-preserved sawmilling and coal-mining landscapes. The town’s history is thus linked to a landscape where sawmilling and mining heritage also play an important role.

Chasm Creek Track is nearby. It is an easy 2.0-kilometre walk, listed as a 45-minute loop. The track starts on Mokihinui-Seddonville Road inland from Mokihinui and follows the route of the former Westport-Seddonville railway. Along the way, it passes through a tunnel and crosses an old railway bridge over Chasm Creek; it also offers views of the Mōkihinui River.

Charming Creek North Walkway is also near Seddonville. It leads to historic mining and mill sites, as well as a viewpoint overlooking Mangatini Falls. The walkway includes the 50-metre-long Mangatini Tunnel, which leads to a viewpoint of the falls. The routes differ considerably in scale: Chasm Creek Track is a 2.0-kilometre loop taking 45 minutes, while The Old Ghost Road is 85 kilometres long and intended for mountain bikers and trekkers. Chasm Creek Track follows the route of the former Westport-Seddonville railway, while Charming Creek North Walkway leads to historic mining and mill sites.

Mōkihinui River and The Old Ghost Road

The Mōkihinui River area is accessible from Seddonville at the entrance to the Mōkihinui River Gorge. This makes the town a useful point of reference for visitors planning to include this river area in their trip.

The Old Ghost Road ends in Seddonville; its northern end is here. The 85-kilometre trail is intended for mountain bikers and trekkers. In the Buller District, the route passes through native forest, open tussock highlands, river flats and forgotten valleys. Check current trail conditions before you set out.

In the Buller District, bookings are required for the Lyell Saddle, Ghost Lake, Stern Valley and Specimen Point huts along the Old Ghost Road. These huts are managed by the Mokihinui Lyell Backcountry Trust. This regional information adds context about the route without suggesting that the huts are in Seddonville itself.

Discover more destinations: Karangarua, Kumara, Reefton, Karamea, Denniston

Return to the regional travel overview: West Coast.