Reefton is one of the cutest towns I have ever visited in New Zealand. It is a quaint town that is rich in history and full of charm and character. It boasts a variety of unique activities and attractions that make it an iconic destination for visitors.
Where Exactly Is Reefton Located?
Reefton is a charming little town nestled amidst the stunning Paparoa and Victoria Ranges – it’s the only inland town on the West Coast!
Westport is one hour away, while Karamea is two and a half hours North.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll surely enjoy the serene Inangahua River that runs alongside this place. The Victoria Conservation Park, a massive park spanning over 180,000 hectares (444,790 acres), surrounds Reefton and is the largest park in New Zealand.
Some History
Reefton has a rich history. During the gold rush in 1870, the settlement quickly became a bustling town of entrepreneurship and prosperity. Due to mining, the town developed rapidly. A mining story is a bit different than Denniston, the old mining town.
In August 1888, Reefton made history by becoming the first place in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere to access a public supply of electricity, preceding even London and New York. That’s quite remarkable, don’t you think?
As you stroll through the town, you will come across remnants of its rich history. The town has more than 24 historic 19th-century buildings.
The Oddfellows Hall boasts the first light that was powered just above the entranceway.
The many beautiful buildings that have been standing helping you recreate Reefton’s past – The Surveyors House (1871), the ‘Top of the Town’ shops, and Forsyth & Masters Store (1870s) are just a few of the wonderful buildings that help you get a feel for what life was like in the early days of Reefton.
And there are plenty more to explore, like the Courthouse (1873), the Oddfellows Hall (1872), Bank of New Zealand (1873), National Bank (1873), Catholic Church (1877), St. Stephens Anglican Church (1878), Reefton School of Mines (1886) and the Band Hall (1901).
Interesting Facts about Reefton
✔️The town was initially named “Reef Town” after the rich veins of gold found in a nearby quartz reef. Two early nicknames were “Rest Town” and “Quartzopolis.”
✔️Broadway’s main street was named after Charles Broad, a magistrate from the West Coast.
✔️The nearby Wealth of Nations mine got its name from Adam Smith’s book. It’s because a guy named Adam Smith discovered the gold there, but he’s not related to the author. Just a fun fact for you!
✔️Reefton, which is also called the town of Light, was the first place in the southern hemisphere to have electric street lighting. This was made possible by a public supply of electricity, as I mentioned above.
Reefton…
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
– Ibn Battuta
During our trip to Karamea, we came across Reefton and stopped for some refreshments. The unexpected discovery has motivated me to return and explore the area further. I immediately fell in love with this charming town with a distinctive American Wild West feel steeped in history.
Reefton Township is recognized as a Tohu Whenua heritage site, which is a special place that has helped shape Aotearoa, New Zealand. Situated in stunning landscapes and full of fascinating stories, it offers some of the best heritage experiences.