VICTORIA BATTERY is the site of the largest quartz mining operation in New Zealand.
Passionate volunteers support a dinky tram (usually running in the weekends only) constructed from mining skip chassis. It is an absolutely authentic visitor experience managed by the locals. There is extensive Department of Conservation signage around the six acre site as visitors trundle past processing plant still features such as stamper mill , extensive cyanide tank foundations, tube mills, gas producer plant.
TIP
The underground tours are well worth the effort of arranging your day. Guided tours explore underground roasting ore kilns’ tunnels and viewing them from a long gantry above ground. The underground tour is a unique attraction in New Zealand.
Contact details (to ensure you do not have a wasted trip finding the place)
- +64 (0)21 09 017 915
- (07) 8633032
- during opening hours
- Victoria Battery Tramway & Museum Society Inc.
- P.O. Box 173, Waihi, 3641, New Zealand
- info@vbts.org.nz
For heritage fans exploring gold mining trails this is a must to add to your gallery of experiences.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY
- Explore Wahi and Paeroa, the current Wahi gold mine and take a pit mine tour and linger in the Waihi Gold Mining Museum
- Explore Visit Karanganhake Gorge & Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park: Best Bits
This museum is part of the heritage trail in the Coromandel Peninsula. Check the Coromandel Guide for more information.
