Tucked away on the South Island’s West Coast, Reefton is a historic village full of charm. Tom and Jordan Tasman from Tasman Travels visit and stay awhile to soak in the delights of this tiny town.
Maintaining this character and earning the nickname ‘The Town of Light’, Reefton was the first city in the southern hemisphere to have electric street lighting in 1888. A distinctive destination worth seeing on any West Coast trip, it’s only two hours from the bigger cities of Greymouth and Westport.
The Reefton Visitor Centre, a centre of local expertise, is a great place to start your trip. Reefton’s history, hidden treasures, and the best walking tracks and picturesque locations are all covered here. The centre’s welcoming folk are eager to share the town’s history, and their excitement is infectious!
Stories of the gold rush, mining, and invention abound in Reefton’s past. The town’s old-world appeal is derived from its classic architecture, which was once thriving due to the inflow of miners and entrepreneurs seeking their fortune. A short drive or bike ride out of the village centre is the Blacks Point Museum, which offers an intriguing look at the early Reefton mining tools, artefacts, and photographs. You can even have a look through the old miners’ huts.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Reefton is a haven. The untamed and lush surroundings are perfect for hiking, bicycling, and nature walks.
Try the Reefton Powerhouse Walk, which takes visitors to the remnants of the old power plant that illuminated the town in 1888, as a mild introduction. The Murray Creek walking track provides a modest loop with rewarding vistas and the remains of former gold mines along the way for those seeking something a little more difficult.
Reefton is a popular spot for mountain bikers and cyclists, with a range of trails that highlight the breathtaking West Coast scenery. Every ability level can find something to enjoy, from scenic riverbank trails to rough backcountry tracks.
Experienced riders should not miss the renowned Old Ghost Road, which is 85 kilometres of challenging terrain that traces old gold-mining routes through dense forests and alpine ridges. Families or those simply wishing to take in the scenery will love the Reefton River Walk, which offers a leisurely, picturesque path alongside the Inangahua River. The West Coast Wilderness Trail, which offers a well-maintained cycling route through forests, rivers, and coastlines, is an additional option that is only a short drive from Reefton.
Fuelling up
Reefton’s friendly and unique cafes and restaurants are ideal after a day of sightseeing. For those who appreciate a good drink, Reefton Distillery is a must-visit; their handcrafted spirits, such as the famous Little Biddy Gin, are must-tries. Our personal favourite was the Pink Gin and it’s definitely worth jumping on a distillery tour whilst visiting. You can also choose from a tasting tour and a special founder’s tour (make sure you pre-book online).
Pop into the Dawson’s Hotel for a filling meal and a place to relax. This historic hotel, which dates back to the 1800s, offers traditional pub food but also a variety of different dietary options in a cosy, vintage environment. Additionally, Dawson’s provides lodging so that visitors can spend the night in a piece of local history. If you’re after a little West Coast romance, the Brewers Night Inn offers a quaint, boutique-type accommodation with an emphasis on comfort and couples.
Reefton provides options for those of us touring in our home on wheels, if you’re fully self-contained you can take advantage of the freedom camp right in the centre of it all, or if you want a bit more room around you, the Reefton Racecourse offers a low-cost option walking distance into town, and just up the way if you want to be a bit more in the wild, DOC camps aren’t too hard to find; you might even find some gold!
Cheers to the community
While the town has many attributes, the people of Reefton are what give it its most lasting appeal. Locals are renowned for being extremely friendly and accommodating, which is certainly what we found and makes visitors feel completely at home. A deep Kiwi history along with innovating and forward-thinking locals make Reefton a must-visit for anyone exploring the wild West Coast.
New memories are simply waiting to be created in this town where the past is proudly preserved. Reefton guarantees a distinctive and rewarding West Coast experience, whether you’re just travelling through or staying a while. And if you’re lucky, and speak to just the right folk about town, you might just find Reefton’s secret swimming hole, but word of warning, the water’s freezing!
