Golden Point Historic Reserve

Golden Point Historic Reserve

Highlights Golden Point – The Legend of Gold and Gold Mining

The Golden Point Historic Reserve is situated in the Otago region and is New Zealand’s largest former mining site. It was established to protect historically significant mining locations. This area was once heavily mined and still preserves the mining-era buildings and three miners' cottages.

Large-scale mining in this region began in 1889, particularly focused on gold extraction. It is estimated that over 40 years, around 15,000 ounces of gold and more than 800 tons of scheelite were extracted. To help visitors better understand the history of mining, many important sites within the reserve feature detailed informational signs. The miners’ cottages in the reserve are well-preserved and have stood the test of time through years of wind and rain. Built from sod bricks — blocks made from earth cut with layers of turf, dried, and then used as bricks — these structures also had mud plastered on them to withstand the elements. Despite the rudimentary mining conditions of the time, people remarkably demonstrated ingenuity by inventing various mining devices. Even more astonishingly, many of the mining site’s mechanical equipment still functions to this day.

Golden Point Historic Reserve

Why Go: New Zealand’s Largest Mining Reserve

Continent: Oceania

Country/Region: New Zealand

Province/State: Otago Region