Mitchells Gully Gold Mine
In August 1866 gold was discovered by Timothy & Mark Linahan and party travelling north from Hokitika. By October the population had risen to 1200 people, although there were no roads, or tracks and it was difficult country to negotiate.
In December Charleston was named after Charles Bonner, Captain of the ketch Constant. He sailed through turbulent waters to bring much needed food supplies to the miners who were close to starving.
Charleston was a first in many ways: the first suspension bridge in New Zealand was built across the Nile river. Robert Hannah had his first shoe store in Charleston. First Casino - Casino De Venice.
At Mitchells Gully Gold Mine we have rebuilt a stamping battery on the original site, which miners worked here from 1866 till 1914, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This type of gold mining is unique in the world! The ore was taken from the tunnels to the battery, to be crushed to release the gold from the iron sand.
Enjoy a quiet stroll through history at your own pace. There is a labyrinth of tunnels to explore. Ride in the ore tram thru old tunnels, bush walks, explore old diggings, drop shafts, native orchids and fossils. Allow 30 - 40 minutes to really enjoy this trip back into the past.
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