At the entrance to the spectacular Kawarau Gorge en route to Queenstown, you can explore one of the few easily accessible original mining sites from the gold rush era. A guided tour gives you a fascinating glimpse into history. See the old workings and operating equipment which used the power of water to literally move mountains. Try your hand at gold panning or take the self-guided walk and explore the Chinese miner’s village to appreciate how the early miners lived.
You can also take time out and relax at Goldfields Mining Centre. Enjoy lunch or a snack in the garden café on the banks of the Kawarau River. Visit the gold gallery, where beautiful items of hand-made gold jewellery and collectibles are available for sale. And adventure seekers can combine their visit with a modern-day thrill. An exciting, high speed jet boat trip down the spectacular Kawarau Gorge with Goldfields Jet, departing from the Mining Centre.
Roaring Meg Recreation Reserve
A popular stop-off area located in the Kawarau Gorge on State highway 6 is the reserve developed and maintained by the Department of Conservation. Look out locations allow you to sense the power of the Kawarau River, and view adventure seeking individuals river boarding and the Pioneer Energy Roaring Meg Power Station. Information kiosks provide information about the Kawarau River, Pisa Conservation Area, Kirtleburn Hotel and the Roaring Meg hydro scheme.