Exploring The Historic Mine Sites At Blacks Point

Exploring Exploring The Historic Mine Sites At Blacks Point. (Spent most of a day doing this walk and loved it. Was another cool explore with follow explorer ‪@TheForsakenExplorerNz‬. If you want to see the closed section of the track, Lankey Creek track check out my video:    • Lankey Creek Closed Track   The Murray Creek Track in Victoria Forest Park, near Blacks Point and Reefton, winds through classic West Coast gold-mining country. Following Murray Creek through regenerating native forest, the track passes remnants of old tramways, industrial sites, and historic mine workings hidden among the trees. This shared walking and cycling loop takes around five hours to hike, with shorter options available. Starting from Blacks Point, the track crosses a swingbridge that marks the junction to different historic routes. One path leads to Cementown, an abandoned mining settlement where foundations and scattered machinery remain. The other follows an old tramway to the Energetic Mine, where rusting equipment and tunnel entrances reveal the scale of quartz and gold mining operations from the late 1800s. For those with extra time, the track continues beyond the main loop toward the Waitahu River, accessing more remote forest and additional tramway remains, suitable for both walking and mountain biking. Gold discoveries in the Reefton district during the 1860s drove rapid mining development throughout Victoria Forest Park. The Murray Creek area played a key role in this expansion, supporting quartz reef mining operations and settlements like Cementown until mining declined in the early 1900s. Nearby places worth visiting include the Reefton Historic Power Station, Inangahua Swingbridge, Waiuta, and the Blacks Point Museum. Track notice: The Lankey Creek Tram Track is currently closed between the SH7 car park and the Energetic Mine due to a large slip, rockfall, and a damaged bridge. Access to the Energetic Mine is still possible via a return walk from the Murray Creek Track.) #coalmine #goldmine #mining