This theme brings together a group of coal mining sites that began with the Brunner Mine of 1862. The three principal New Zealand coalfields were Waikato, West Coast and Southland.

Virtually all the coal mines of this era were underground and were hazardous work places. A number of interesting coal mining sites can be found on lands managed by the Department, including Denniston of 1873, more recently made famous by the book Denniston Rose by Jenny Pattrick. However many of New Zealand's most significant coal mining sites are not on land managed by the Department, and have no heritage protection.

Denniston coal mine from the air

Sites:

The following sites are actively managed by the Department and developed for visitors:

Northland

Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve 

Waikato

• Benneydale coal mine

West Coast

• Big River
• Brunner Mine
• Charming Creek
• Denniston Incline
• Blackball Mine
• Millerton Bathhouse track
• Alborns Coal Mine 1880
• Lankey Creek Coal Mine

Further reading:

Smith, Nigel. (2001). Heritage of Industry: discovering New Zealand’s industrial past.  (Reed, Auckland).