The Denniston Heritage Experience which opened late April 2011 is a $2.5 million visitor attraction based on New Zealand’s oldest coal mine, the Banbury at Denniston. Many of our ancestors began a new life in New Zealand mining the coal up on The Hill as Denniston is affectionately known to the local people.
To embark on this unique journey into our past visitors will meet at the Coal Town early history museum, travel by bus 16.5km north to Waimangaroa then climb into the clouds on a winding sealed road to the Denniston Plateau offering magnificent views down to the coastal plains north of Westport, Cape Foulwind and the mouth of the Waimangaroa River.
The trip takes in a visit to (but not down!) the incline, the only means of transport for both people and goods in the early years. The incline plunged down the hillside carrying fourteen twelve tonne coal wagons at a 1 in 2.22 descent….the very thought of that is mortifying to say the least! Visitors can then ride 500 metres on an old Denniston electric train including 170 metres into the underground mine. The railway tracks are sited as close as possible to the original recreating the miner’s daily journey, an interactive walk into an underground museum is included. Dennniston’s story will be retold as audio visual footage unfolds detailing the life of the miners and their families.
The Denniston Experience will be of particular interest to mining, rail and heritage enthusiasts. Visitors will also be encouraged to explore heritage walks, visit the Friends of the Hill museum, and to go on the mountain bike and four wheel drive adventures.
When visiting Denniston be sure to bring a warm jacket (in case of cool weather), sturdy footwear and a vivid imagination…. your rewards?…an adventure like no other!
As gateway for the northern West Coast of the South Island, Westport offers an abundance of opportunity for exploration and adventure. Start with visiting the world famous Coaltown Museum and immerse yourself in local and national history. Then follow the Heritage Trail, take a day or a week to visit the places where history was made.
The Denniston Incline, the Granity cokes ovens, the famous Stockton aerial ropeway or follow the historic Charming Creek railway track on foot.
Let a 1.5 hour beach walk lead you to the Orowaiti Estuary for some bird watching or visit the Seal Colony at
Tauranga Bay.
Spend a day in the limestone wonderland of the Oparara Basin – where the giant Powelliphanta snail still roams and the large carnivorous Spalangula spider can be seen from close range in its natural cave habitat.
Natural bridges are easily reached after a short walk through the splendor of the West Coast rain forest.
Visit Punakaiki, its Pancake Rocks, and venture into Paparoa National Park on foot or paddle up the Pororari River to appreciate nature at its best in the narrow limestone gorge
Do not forget to pay a visit to Mitchells Gully historic gold mine on the way.
For the more adventurous there is jet boating, whitewater rafting, caving, deep-sea fishing, mountain biking, land sailing and horse trekking commercially available.
State Highway 6 on the West Coast of the South Island has been recognised by the Lonely Planet Blue List as one 
of the ten best road trips in the world. Come to our coast and experience the magnificence of it all for yourself. A visit to the northern West Coast is truly educational with a largely untouched environment that is yet to be discovered by the tourist masses.
Havenlee HomeStay in Westport offers accommodation at reasonable rates.
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