Coaltown Museum

Opened in June 2013 our new Museum will take you on a journey through gold rush days to the settling of the district and the early development of our mining industry, the lifestyle and living conditions of its people, the geology of coal, extraction and transport systems, to port and shipping developments serving our coal and cement industries.

Coaltown is a fantastic all weather attraction that appeals to every age. A great launching pad from which to explore the Buller District.

Colourful, modern displays bring to life coal extraction and transport from wild and remote places such as Denniston, Millerton, Stockton and Seddonville along with the living and working environment of the people who made it happen and called these places home.

Imagine yourself in the homes of those early pioneers, empathise with the women on wash day. Immerse yourself in our country’s earliest union struggles. Imagine a wild incline ride on our Q wagon’s 45 degree decent of the famed Denniston Incline. View the twenty ton braking drum used to control it. A simulated Mine will give you insight into the day by day working environment of a miner.

Our Maritime Display features attempts to tame the mighty Buller River and the construction and working of the port. A three cylinder triple expansion steam marine engine, formally driving the harbour drege SD Mawhera is on display, representative of the steam era that powered our early rail and shipping.

Special interest displays will be featured from time to time complementing our history and heritage offerings.