Aorere Goldfields

• Rockville
• Walks & Hikes

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As the name suggests, Golden Bay was once a gold rush town, and the Aorere Goldfields Track will take you back in time to the old gold-mining days.

The three-hour loop walk in the Aorere Valley explores some of the areas more accessible gold-mining remnants, including the Slate River Sluicing Company Dam (Druggans Dam) and the Aorere Caves.

The track follows Stantons Creek onto the pathway of the original benched miners track, water race and tunnel before reaching the Stafford Cave, one of two iconic caves in the Aorere Valley. The other cave (Ballroom Cave) is accessible via a side track and is believed to be a dance venue for miners back in the day. As you continue on to Druggans Dam, you’ll experience panoramic views of the Wakamarama Ranges, Ruataniwha Inlet and Farewell Spit.

How to get there: There is a signpost on the side of the main road between Collingwood and Aorere Valley, indicating the turn-off to Devils’ Boots and the Aorere Goldfields Track.