Brunner Mine Site Walk

Loop

Getting There

Finding the Brunner Mine Site Walk is straightforward, making it a great addition to a West Coast road trip.

If you are coming from Greymouth, head east on State Highway 7 for about 11 kilometres. You will see a well-signposted car park on your right. This is the southern entrance and features public toilets and the main information kiosk.

Alternatively, you can access the walk from the Taylorville side. If you are driving along Taylorville Road (which runs on the opposite side of the river from SH7), there is limited parking available near the bridge entrance. Both sides are connected by the suspension bridge, so it doesn't matter which side you start on—you’ll get to see everything regardless!

Wildlife Spotting

While the history is the main draw, the regenerating rainforest provides a wonderful habitat for native New Zealand birds. Because the walk is relatively short and easy, you can keep your eyes peeled without worrying too much about where you’re stepping.

• Fantail (Piwakawaka): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed to follow you. They love the insects stirred up by walkers. Look for them flitting around the brickwork of the coke ovens.
• Kererū: Keep an ear out for the heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of wings. These large, colourful wood pigeons are often seen perched in the kōwhai or berry-producing trees around the riverbanks.
• Tūī and Bellbird (Korimako): You’ll hear their melodic, bell-like calls throughout the year. They are particularly active in the early morning.
• Weka: These flightless, cheeky birds are West Coast icons. You might see one scurrying across the track or poking around the ruins. Just remember—don't feed them, no matter how curious they seem!
• New Zealand Robin (Toutouwai): If you stay quiet near the bush edges, you might see these small, grey birds hopping on the ground looking for grubs.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Brunner Mine Site Walk is a true all-season destination. Because the track is well-maintained and gravelled, it doesn't turn into a mud bath in the winter, making it a reliable option year-round.

• Spring & Summer: The forest is at its most vibrant, and the birdlife is incredibly active. It can get quite warm on the exposed parts of the track, so a hat and sunscreen are essential.
• Autumn & Winter: The West Coast is famous for its "liquid sunshine," but a misty, rainy day actually adds to the atmosphere of the mine site. The dampness makes the mosses pop and gives the ruins an evocative, slightly ghostly feel.
• What to bring: Even though it’s a short walk, the West Coast weather is notoriously unpredictable. Always carry a waterproof jacket. Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers are perfectly fine for this terrain.
• Time of day: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, especially as the sun hits the Tyneside Chimney or filters through the trees onto the coke ovens.

Local & Regional Context

The area holds deep significance for both Māori and Pākehā. To the local iwi (tribes), the Māwheranui / Grey River has always been a vital highway for travel and a rich source of mahinga kai (food gathering).

In the colonial era, the discovery of high-quality coal transformed the region. The Brunner Mine was at the centre of this, driving the economy of the West Coast for decades. However, the 1896 disaster changed the nation's psyche. The grief felt by the Taylorville and Greymouth communities sparked a national conversation that eventually led to much-needed reforms in mining legislation and workers' rights.

Walking here, you aren't just looking at old bricks; you’re standing on the site of a turning point in New Zealand's social history. The Department of Conservation and the Tohu Whenua programme have done an incredible job of preserving this balance between nature and heritage.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your loop and soaked in the history, you’ll probably be ready for a bit of refreshment.

Just 500 metres away in the township of Taylorville, you'll find the Buckshead Tavern. This is a classic, "no-nonsense" West Coast pub. It’s the perfect spot to grab a cold drink or a casual meal. The atmosphere is friendly and local—exactly what you want after exploring the area. It’s a great place to sit back, perhaps have a chat with a local, and reflect on the stories you’ve just discovered at the mine site.

If you’re heading back towards Greymouth, there are plenty more cafes and eateries to choose from, but for that authentic Taylorville experience, the Buckshead is the place to be.